Kenneth Charles Slack

Kenneth C. Slack passed away at his home May 30, 2012 following a short battle with cancer.

Ken was born in Tonasket, Washington in 1939 to Howard & Fern (Lonie) Slack. Ken was raised in Oroville, Washington and moved to San Francisco as a teen where he graduated from high school in 1957. He entered the Air Force in 1959 where he became an Air Policeman. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1963. He graduated from Walla Walla Community College with his AA degree in 1974 and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in 1978 from Central Washington University.

Ken married Pauline Marie Richter on May 19, 1962. Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother & son. Family was very important to him. Together with his wife, Pauline, they raised four strong and confident children: 2 sons, Robert & Gary and 2 daughters, Sandra & Susan. Ken & Pauline celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary a week before his passing.

After 37 years of service, Ken retired from the Washington State Penitentiary in 2001. He enjoyed his work immensely. He was proud to dedicate his life to a noble and honorable profession. In 1998, Ken was actively involved in stopping a prison break.

Ken was a huge sports fan. While he loved all sports, he was especially fond of watching the Seattle Mariners. He loved to fish, spending part of each year in Oroville, where he grew up, fishing the numerous lakes there.

Ken was patriotic & was a big history buff. He enjoyed historical documentaries and old war movies. He loved the music from the 50s & 60s and could easily sing just about any song from that era. He also loved completing crossword puzzles.

Ken is survived by his wife, Pauline, at the home; his brother, Robert G. Slack of Seattle; 2 sons & daughters-in-law, Robert & Michele Slack and Gary & Karen Slack all of Walla Walla; 2 daughters & son-in-law, Sandra Cobb and Susan Slack & Luis Salazar all of Walla Walla; 1 granddaughter, Nichole Slack, attending Central Washington University; 1 grandson, Teller Cobb of Walla Walla and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard & Fern Slack; his sister, Gloria Lonie and son-in-law, Larry Cobb.

The Memorial Funeral Service will be on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. Interment will follow at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center Special Needs Fund through the funeral home.