Trevor "Buddy" Harry Slapak

TREVOR  “Buddy”  SLAPAK

(1930-2017)

   It is with immense grief and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Trevor Harry Slapak, more affectionately known to us all as “Buddy”, who died at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre in Blairmore, Alberta on February 14, 2017 at the glorious age of 86 years.

   Buddy was born on August 13, 1930 in Blairmore, AB to proud parents, Karel and Mona Slapak.  Throughout his entire life, Buddy was observant, competitive, skilled in many areas and genuine. 

   He had an aptitude for music and a talent for the saxophone.  At age fourteen, he began his professional music career with the Arcadians band.  He played with several orchestras and bands until retiring at the age of 68 but took great delight with his last ensemble, the Lightermen. 

   Buddy owned and operated the Pass Herald newspaper, the only locally owned newspaper in the Crowsnest Pass.  As editor and chief, he witnessed and reported the news over several decades and was considered by his peers one of the most learned and opinionated man in Southern Alberta.  He loved a good debate and the fast pace this world has to offer.  He will be honoured this year with the prestigious “Golden Quill” award from the Canadian Community Newspaper Association.

   He married Betty Johnson on July 5, 1952 and they were blessed with raising two cherished children.  He dabbled in several fields to provide for his family including the ambulance service, the funeral home and sporting goods shop.  He was a certified autobody technician and welder.  He could fix anything that was broken and garage sales were exciting treasure hunts to this gifted and eccentric man. 

   Buddy loved spending time with his family when time was available.  He chauffeured kids to minor hockey and coached several teams in his day.  He was a fantastic boxer in his youth and enjoyed dancing, golfing, curling, waterskiing, boating, bird hunting, football and stock car racing.  He built boats and several miniature airplanes and was a member of the Cowley Glider Club; he even piloted small single engine aircrafts.  At the age of 84, Buddy bought a Seadoo to cruise the lakes in Eureka, MT.  His life was high speed at all times and his heart was loving and generous.  He dedicated himself to the happiness of others and would never accept a favor in return.  We are left with a treasure trove of fond memories and a sadness that cannot be described.  May he rest in the peace of Christ.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life include his cherished family: his beloved son, Roby (Val) Slapak of Blairmore; his grandchildren, Cody Slapak of Okotoks, TJ (Kelsey) Slapak of Bellevue, Jordan Slapak of Saskatoon, and Christina Carr of New Hampshire; his sister-in-law, Norma Slopak of Lethbridge; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and the many friends he made, most especially his colleague and friend, Lisa (Lyle Douglas) Sygutek and her boys, Keiran, Aiden and Quinn, Dee Dee Sygutek and her boys, Tanner and Tyler and all of his coffee buddies.

   He was predeceased by his precious daughter, Shari Carr; his former wife, Betty Slapak; his parents, Karel and Mona; his brother, Carl; his sister, Joan; and his nephew, Myles.

   The Memorial Service celebrating Buddy’s life will be held on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the M.D.M. Community Centre (2802-222 St) in Bellevue, AB.  Donations in memory of the late Trevor “Buddy” Slapak may be made to the CNP Minor Hockey Assoc, Kidsport or the Crowsnest Pass SPCA.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

 Service Information