Congress Legend Skip Salome Passes

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share the passing of a true legend, OQHA Past President and AAQHC Hall of Fame member Skip Salome

Albert “Skip” Salome, of Newark, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

Skip was not just a familiar face at the Quarter Horse Congress; he was an integral part of its success for countless years. Having been involved with the Congress since its inception in 1967, Skip served on every OQHA committee and held every position possible, including Association President from 1993-1994, 2005-2006, and 2009-2010. Skip was also a Congress Tri-Chairman for many years, and was inducted into the Congress Hall of Fame in 2008. Skip’s presence at the Congress and within OQHA was more than just a role; it was a legacy built on his love for the American Quarter Horse.

Skip always had a servant’s heart, beginning his family’s tradition of spending Christmas day serving meals to the less fortunate members of their community, partnering with the Newark Elks Lodge in 2007. The Salome family also began a program that provides free food and clothing to over 100 citizens each month. He was inducted into the Ohio Commodores by former Ohio governor James Rhodes and appointed to the Ohio Racing Commission by former Ohio governor John Kasich. For his community work, Skip was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2019.

Beyond his contributions to the Quarter Horse industry and his community, Skip’s greatest legacy was his love for his family. Skip married the love of his life, Carol, and together, they made their home in Newark, where they owned multiple restaurants across the state as well as a successful catering company and raised their family.

Skip passed the love of the Quarter Horse on to his children and grandchildren, with his son Todd, daughter Kelli, and granddaughter Lauren all serving on the OQHA Board of Directors and Congress Tri-Chairmen. His wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family were his pride and joy; as evidenced by the way his eyes would light up whenever he spoke of them.

Skip was a fundamental member of OQHA and Congress, and his presence will be greatly missed among all of the Association members, and patrons of the Congress.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Salome Family during this time of sadness.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Second Presbyterian Church, 42 E. Church Street, Newark, Ohio 43055. Family and friends may visit Monday, April 1 from 4 to 7pm at Henderson Van Atta Stickle Funeral Home, 59 N. 5^th Street, Newark, Ohio 43055, or Tuesday from 1 to 3pm at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 6 from 1 to 5pm at The Elks, 73 N. 3^rd Street, Newark, Ohio 43055. 

Donations can be made in Skip's honor to the Ohio Quarter Horse Foundation here.