John Slack

SLACK, John Arthur Lloyd 86, self-employed contractor for forty-five years of Kitchener, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2014. A "hard-oiler," he was born on the tenth line in Petrolia, Ontario. In his own words, John said: "I'm old and I'm slack." John will be fondly remembered as a lady's man with a devilish twinkle in his eye, who had an appreciation for a "good leg". He had an inimitable storytelling style and a repertoire of quick-witted one-liners. Beloved husband of the late Elsa Slack (1988), he will be lovingly remembered by his children, Debra Slack (Toronto); Jody Slack and his wife Nancy (Ayr); grandson, Joel Slack and his wife Victoria (Grand Rapids, Michigan); his brother Bill Slack and his partner Lynn Wynicki (Winston Salem, NC). John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was predeceased by his parents Victor and Elsie, son, Johnny Jr. (1953), sister-in-law Pat, son-in-law Peter MacKendrick, and brother, Stan. John lived to work and enjoyed working as a self-employed contractor until his seventy-ninth year. He left his mark in homes, buildings, cottages and even bridges all over Ontario. He was especially proud of the homes he built for his son and daughter. Very Worshipful, John Slack had an extensive and rewarding involvement in Masonry. He was a member of Waterloo Lodge #539 (1963) and served as Master in 1971. As a charter member of Brotherhood Lodge (1972), he was also Master in 1979. John was appointed Steward by The Grand Lodge of Canada. In 1985 he joined the Waterloo Shrine Club and Oriental Band. He also belonged to The Companion of The Royal Arch Masons of Kitchener Chapter #117 (1981) and Vallette Preceptory #64, Knights Templar (1992). Over 50 years, the mutually rewarding relationships that he established helped to shape him as a man. He treasured the lifelong friendships that he enjoyed in these fraternities. His lifetime passion for baseball defined his leisure time. When he wasn't working, he was playing, coaching, watching or talking baseball to anyone who would listen. A premier baseball player in his youth in Sarnia, he continued to be involved in baseball in Waterloo where he eventually coached youth. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 8 at the K-W Masonic Temple, 440 Weber St. N., Waterloo. All are welcome to attend a Masonic Memorial Service beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. Food and refreshments will be served until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Shriners' Hospitals for Children the day of the Celebration or online at www. shrinershospitalsforchildren.org A special thank you to the "sterling" staff at Stirling Heights Home. Visit Ratz Bechtel's memorial and share condolences online at: www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com