Robert "Bob" William Slack

Celebrating the Life of Bob

Bob’s story began in 1942, with his mother raising him until 1946 while his Dad was overseas serving in the war. The family experienced a joyful reunion upon his father's return, and the household quickly grew as Bob welcomed his brother Phil, and sister Marilyn to the family.

In 1960, at the tender age of 18, Bob proudly followed in his father's footsteps when he joined the Hamilton Police Service as a Cadet. He spent much of the 1960s pounding the pavement on foot patrol, a role that built the foundation for his impressive skills as a detective.

Building a Family and Rising Through the Ranks

While walking his beat in downtown Hamilton, Bob made his smartest executive decision yet: to marry the love of his life, Linda, which they did in 1965. Together they built a life centered around what mattered most—family and close friends. His proudest family moments quickly followed with the birth of his two daughters, Kristine and Kathy.

The 1970s brought major milestones both at home and at work. Bob moved into the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and was promoted to Sergeant in 1971, earning a reputation as a highly successful Detective involved in many prominent investigations.

When he wasn’t solving cases, most of the family time was spent at their trailer on Rice Lake, making the best life memories. Bob was a man of diverse interests during these busy years, enjoying fishing, hunting, snooker, pistol shooting, woodworking, and golf—a game that tested his patience until he finally, gloriously, achieved a hole-in-one.

Bob’s career continued its meteoric rise through the police service:

1983: Promoted to Staff Sergeant of CID.

1986: Rose to the rank of Inspector and moved to the Vice Division.

1988: Returned to Special Services as Staff Inspector.

1991: Promoted to Superintendent of the CID as Command Officer.

By the time he officially retired from the force in 1993, Bob was a highly regarded and deeply respected member of the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police. Professionally, his greatest achievements were being awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Police Exemplary Service Medal.

A Second Act and Later Years

Of course, retirement from the Police Service didn't stick right away. Bob’s legendary investigative skills meant he couldn't stay away for long, and he was brass-bound to be lured back into work life by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). He joined them in an advisory position, dedicating another 10 successful years to the field.

When he finally hung up his hat for good, Bob turned his full attention to his favourite roles at home. He proudly walked his daughters down the aisle at their weddings and eventually experienced the pure joy of holding his granddaughters and great-grandchildren for the first time. Later in life, Bob was absolutely thrilled to discover another wonderful plot twist to his family history: he had a half-brother, David. The whole Slack Family instantly welcomed him and the entire Gagan family into the fold with open arms.

He also poured his energy into volunteering, serving as President for the Hamilton Police Senior Officers Association, holding multiple roles on the Hamilton Police Retirees Association Board, and helping out at the social clubs of Bay Aristocrat Village at their winter home in Florida, and Shady Acres trailer park on Rice Lake, Ontario. When they weren't volunteering or at the trailer, Bob and Linda loved to travel. In fact, they made it their personal mission to happily spend their daughters’ inheritance on cruises around the world. Bob served his community, loved his family fiercely, shot a straight line (he had the trophies to prove it), and spent the inheritance exactly the way he wanted to. He will be deeply missed, but his legend will live on around the campfire at Rice Lake forever.

His Greatest Legacy

Bob leaves behind a beautiful family tree rooted in love and laughter. He has been reunited with his parents, Bill and Gladys Slack, and his brother David, who alongside his wife Rosemary, passed before him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife of 61 years, Linda (nee Connolly). He was the incredibly proud dad to Kristine (Dave) and Kathy (Mike). He will always be remembered as a loving and supportive brother to Phil (Yvonne) and Marilyn (Peter).

He was the world's best Grandpa to his granddaughters Kyra, Alyssa (Tarrin), Jennifer (Greg), and Brigitte (Brandon), and the ultimate fun-loving great-grandfather to Kian, Delilah, Vivienne, Dean, and Adaline. Bob is also fondly remembered and loved by a large, wonderful circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who became family along the way.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the emergency personnel who attended to Bob that day, as well as the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their care and compassion. A special thank you goes to his nephew, Greg—we are profoundly grateful that you were by his side and are endlessly thankful for everything that you did.

Visitation will be held at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Avenue E. on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5-9pm. Private Family Interment will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 5-8pm at the Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honour, remember, and celebrate a life well lived.

Online condolences can be left at cresmountfennellchapel.com