Dr. Slack came to Waterville 27 years ago from New Jersey where he had started the first emergency veterinary clinic in the mid-Atlantic region. In Waterville, he owned and operated New England Animal Hospital located on Pleasant Street for the past 27 years. Throughout his years in practice, he had become a much loved and well respected doctor. He worked non-stop around the clock, rarely taking any sort of vacation, treating and saving animals’ lives. He was also one of the few veterinarians in the area who specialized in aviary and reptile medicine. He was a brilliant man, often quiet and reserved to those who did not know him personally, but his friends knew him to have quite a funny and sarcastic disposition.
Dr. Slack was passionate about everything he did. He had many hobbies which included riding motorcycles, marksmanship, breeding fish and reptiles, growing plants and baking bread. He also enjoyed collecting firearms, rocks, art and antique veterinary equipment. An avid reader from the time he was a young boy, he acquired an extensive library throughout his life. Most of all he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and family.
He was predeceased by his parents and a son Spec. Wade Slack who was killed in Afghanistan in May of 2010.
Surviving are his wife Rose Slack, his 7 children from his first wife Mary Slack; Meghan Slack, Jesse Slack and his wife Mackenzie, Lauren Slack, Allison Slack, Jonathan Slack and Andrew Slack; 2 step children, Jessica Cook and her husband Michael and Ethan Roderick, 3 grandchildren; Lillian “Riley” Slack, Avery Lynn Slack, and Makayla Jean Cook; a sister Karen Frank and her husband Robert of Blue Springs, MO; a brother Larry Slack and his wife June from Omaha, NB; 4 nieces and nephews, Kimberly Kudrna-Bain and her husband Scott Bain and their children Madelyn and Ryan, Kirk Kudrna and his wife Sherri Kudrna and their children Camille and Kyle, Nathan Slack and Lara Slack.
At Dr. Slack’s request, services will be private for his family. Burial will be in the Lewis Cemetery, Oakland.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at http://giftstoarmy.army.mil/WoundedWarriors.aspx.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 2 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME 04901.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME.
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