Traverse City - Daniel Steven Salay, "Slick", 66, of Traverse City and formerly of Ohio passed away September 20, 2017 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Dan was born on July 24, 1951 in Bryan, OH to Steven A. Salay and Edna May (Schull) Miller.

Dan graduated from Defiance High School. He worked for General Motors for 32 years before he retired in 1998. In 2010, he moved to Traverse City to be close to his family and to serve as crew chief for the Ed Thirlby Race Team.

Above all else, Dan cherished his family and friends, loved his dogs Spooky and Mayer and had fun with his race team. He will be greatly missed by many.

Dan is survived by his children Joe (Chrissy), Jason (Ally), Josh (Vandee), Leah (Brandon) Thirlby and Alannah (TJ) Erickson; grandchildren Brianna, Joey, Kaylee, Kaitlyn, Ivee, Alexa and soon to be born Dani Thirlby; his mother Edna and his sister Barb (Phil) Short.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Steve and his grandson Cadyn.

A celebration of Dan's life will be held on October 28, 2017 at the UAW Hall in Defiance beginning at 4:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be directed to 4Front Credit Union, C/O Leah Salay, Traverse City.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your favorite memories with the family.

The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.