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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.
Celebration of Life
September 30, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Cone Chapel
Willamette University’s campus
900 State Street Salem, OR 97301.
Coach Slack was a great teacher and a great person. He was my teacher at North Salem High School. I remember how he made me feel and how he cared for his students. I remember as a student I felt he was not being recognized enough by the school, so I had a plaque made for him and gave it to him, just to show him I appreciated what he does. Great person. Rest in Peace Coach Slack.
Slack was an erudite scholar and always had greater expectations, no matter how much I learned or mastered the material. Every time I advanced my understanding, he set the bar one level higher, regardless of what the official expectations or scope of the class was. He made history fun, he expected the best from students, and he was always available to listen.
Slack didn't give much slack, but that's because he expected the best out of everyone.