In memory of

Kenneth "Ken/Kenny" Alan Slack

Dec 30, 1954
Sep 7, 2022

Obituary

Kenneth Alan Slack, 67, a longtime resident of Salem, Oregon transitioned on September 7, 2022, after a series lengthy illnesses. He was a man of many titles; son, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, union steward, mentor, but during his time in Salem-Keizer Public Schools he was best known as Coach Slack. 

Born in Los Angeles, CA Kenneth Slack was a “military brat” as he lived and traveled to many places across the world with his family Walker and Betty Slack, and two younger siblings Kevin and Eva Slack.  

After a successful High School Football stint in El Paso, Texas he transferred to his beloved Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, HI where he graduated. After graduation he traveled to Willamette University in Salem, OR where he went on to play football, build lifelong fraternal connections, and pursue a bachelor’s degree.  

A devout Catholic, he went on to teach at Central Catholic High School in Portland, OR, but his heart eventually led him back to Salem, OR to begin his career with the Salem-Keizer School District. Ken Slack went on to teach and coach at North Salem High School for the remainder of his teaching career. 

As mentioned in Mark Gilman’s article, North Salem High Schools head coach Jeff Flood stated, “For Kenny, North Salem High was family, and North football was family,”which encompasses how proud he was to be at service to the Vikings in all capacities whether it was in person or virtually from a hospital bed up until his passing.  

Ken’s hobbies were primarily sports related, such as playing golf and watching/ attending sports events. He also enjoyed traveling as a union representative, coach, and for leisure. 

He is survived by his aunt Charlie Mae Slack of Milton, FL, brother Kevin (Pamela) Slack of Spanaway, WA, sister Eva (Charles) Slack- Lewis of Lacey, WA. Nieces and nephews Charles Lewis Jr, Christopher (Kylee) Lewis, Kiana Norman Slack, Kaylin Norman Slack, Eugene Norman Slack, and Alesia Slack; great nieces and nephews Christopher Lewis Jr. Ariya Lewis, Everly Lewis, and Kyrie Lewis. 

Kenneth is preceded in death by his brother Richard Slack; mother Betty Slack; father Walker Slack; and brother-in-law Charles Lewis Sr.

Ken’s passing is a great loss as he was a mentor to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by many including his family, former colleagues, prior students, and friends which he considered family.   

Ken’s family will have a memorial service on September 30, 2022 at 4:00 pm at the Cone Chapel on Willamette University’s campus located at 900 State Street Salem, OR 97301. 

Service Information

Celebration of Life
September 30, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Cone Chapel
Willamette University’s campus
900 State Street Salem, OR 97301. 

Messages of Sympathy

  1. DUANE SHEA-DAGUIO says:

    3/21/23: I just learned of Ken’s passing. We attended Leilehua High School. He and his brother Kevin were gentle giants n the school. During my graduation party Ken and Kevin ate almost all of the shrimp tempura. My mother loved it !! Although we never saw each other again I remember Kevin’s warmth and friendliness. While he was a proud Burgess Mustang he will be remembered as an all-star Leilehua Mule !

  2. Noel Lopez says:

    I just happened toGoogle Mr.Slack this morning. I didnt realize much of his story and that he was Catholic. He was always providing encouraging guidance for young men like myself along the path of life. It is sad to see him go, but the memories and appreciation of his influence will remain. My God-bless and keep him..

  3. James Alderson says:

    I when to North Salem High School in the 90's Coach Slack was nice to every students and staff . One heck of a football coach. I had a big heart and smiling every day. He will be missed.

  4. Virginia Gomer, counselor-North Salem HS says:

    I worked with Ken at North High for several years. He always had a smile and a laugh for me and was a friend to the students. I retired long before he did and was sad to hear of his passing. I send my condolences to his family.

  5. Ronald Cartmell, Nashville Tn says:

    I met Ken on the Willamette football team and he became my big brother we lived in Belknap all together and talked often about Football and about life. Ken was always a trickster and was always one to bring up your spirits. Ken was easy-going and never really mixed words. Ken was admired and looked upon by minnie respected by many more and appreciated yet by steal many more. Ken will be missed as he was a gentle giant and someone I appreciated knowing and helping me through college may the Lord continue to bless him and his extended family.

  6. Christopher Alexander says:

    Thank you Coach Slack, from biology to the offensive line. You were tough and that made all the difference. All my grace and love.

  7. Jeff Robinson says:

    Coach Slack was my line coach during my time playing at Central Catholic. He was strict, but had a fun side to him, but more importantly, each of us knew that he cared about us as men.
    While finishing my senior year at PSU, I had the pleasure to coach alongside my mentor and friend. I will never forget you coach. You have instilled in me to live my life with passion and integrity. Rest in God’s loving arms, my friend.

  8. Susan Strand Haou says:

    Coach Slack was my biology teacher at CCHS. I remember his kindness and patience. May he Rest In Peace.

  9. Brian Booth says:

    Mr. Slack was my a golf coach and biology teacher. He always had a way to make things fun. Great teacher and friend. He made such a great impact on so many kids.

  10. Pam Lodwick (Crawford) says:

    Rest in Peace Coach - You were an amazing icon and coach in so many ways. You will be missed - Class of CCHS 87

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