memorial victory trips®

Ron was much loved by those who knew him. He was probably most noted as an influential pastor who served for 23 years at New Life Church in Pismo Beach. He was known for his genuine care for people, music, humor, and unique ability to teach Biblical truths with simplicity. His journey through cancer began in early 2004 when he was diagnosed with aggressive/advanced prostate cancer. His numbers were so high that they didn’t exist on any survivability chart. He went through all the prescribed therapies, followed by surgery and radiation. The surgery was successful but did not provide “the cure” hoped for. Over the next several years, Ron continued with monthly checks and blood tests. In the middle of all the ups and downs, the journey to this point was filled with miracles far beyond what was expected. During this time, Ron remained hopeful and inspired many who were facing their own challenges. His ministry with people never ceased. He adjusted to all the changes that his body was going through, never complaining and never asking, “Why me?” Instead, he often said, “Why not me?” By the spring of 2016, Ron was experiencing so many major side effects that managing them became almost impossible until they became humanly impossible. Pastor Ron Salsbury passed away early on Sunday morning, July 31, 2016.
Ron’s life was so much more than a battle with cancer. In his 12 years of living with cancer, he never let it define or limit him from accomplishing what he was called to do. Throughout his journey, he remained focused and used his circumstances to encourage others. He took advantage of opportunities to tell others that the Goodness of God is so much greater than the devastation of cancer. Though he hoped and prayed for healing, he often said, “I would never give up having cancer if it meant giving up the lessons I’m learning because of it.” His battle cry throughout his journey, “Faith Not Fear,” still resonates with many whom he inspired.

Pastor Ron Salsbury’s Memorial Trip

The Ron Salsbury Memorial Victory Trip will be to a choice between Israel or a United States History Tour to Washington D.C. and parts of New England.

Rick Carone was born in Chicago, IL, on January 17, 1971. At a very young age, Rick found his passion for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, along with his God-gifted ability to play sports, especially football, and baseball. After high school, Rick attended Illinois State University on a baseball scholarship after turning down a couple of football scholarships. He then attended Triton College, where he caught the eye of Don Kessinger, Head Coach of Ole Miss. He played at the University of Mississippi until he left early when selected in the MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox in June of 1993.
After three years and four seasons of minor league baseball, Rick returned to his home in Arlington, TX, at the end of the 1996 baseball season, where he pursued a degree in Business Marketing from Texas Wesleyan University, which he received in 1997. He went on to have two beautiful daughters, Karsyn and Tyler, while he continued to follow his passions of baseball and the outdoors while getting his degree. Rick’s passion was the outdoors; whether providing private baseball lessons for youth and many college and professional baseball players or the next big hunt, he was home on the field or the hills.
In May 2013, Rick was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. At this point, Rick dedicated the rest of his life to inspiring others battling cancer. Rick and his supporters helped him create Batting Practice for a Cause with MLB teams for kids battling cancer, supporting local children’s hospitals.
Rick passed away doing what he loved most, giving back on the baseball field. In honoring their dear friend and loved one, the Friends of Rick Carone have chosen Italy for the Memorial Victory Trip, a place he loved and where he still has a family.