He was noted for displaying compassionate actions towards others be they family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or even strangers needing a helping hand. He was born on December 20, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA to the late Hugh MacDonald Slawson and Margaret Pauline Straus Slawson.
Mike earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of the Pacific in 1968 and completed his master’s degree in international relations at the University of Wyoming in 1972. He earned many medals and a bronze star for his service in the U.S. Army. He had an exceptionally distinguished civilian service career as a Senior Executive for the United States Defense Department. Mike retired from the Defense Information Systems Agency on June 25, 2002.
Mike was a world traveler. He lived part of his young adult life in the Philippians and Iran. With his wife Elva, they traveled to Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, England, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and many more places. Together they loved to play golf and enjoyed their bridge group. Mike loved to read, garden, and fish for trout. He had an impressive weapon and coin collection, most of which he obtained while living in Asia and the Middle East. However, Mike’s wife and family were his greatest joy. He always referred to Elva as the love of his life.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Elva, three daughters, Kathleen (Katie) Slawson Bray and husband Jason, Carrie Smith and husband Curtis, Courtney McKane and husband Kenny, seven grandchildren, and his brother, Hugh Paul Slawson and wife Lynn.
Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2019 at Westwood Baptist Church (200 Westhigh St, Cary, NC 27513). Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, the service at 2:00 pm, and a reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke Hospital or Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice) of Winston Salem, North Carolina.
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