John Stephen 'Jack' Slack, 86
John Stephen Slack, known to all his family and friends as “Jack,” 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia Falls on Dec. 15, 2023.
He was born Aug. 3, 1937, in Lewistown, to Steve and May Slack. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Crail in Sandpoint, Idaho. Jack and Carolyn shared a very wonderful 54 years together until Carolyn’s passing in 2014.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Slack; sister, Bonnie Craft; and sister, Ila Barta.
He is survived by his daughter Robin Grosswiler of Kalispell; daughter Jackie McFarland and her husband Jeff of Kalispell; daughter Shannon Slack of Toledo, Washington, and son John Slack Jr. of Nehalem, Oregon; grandchildren, Darcy, Trevor, Dieter, Kimberly, Nickole, Jesse, Ashley, Jeffrey, Jackie, Justina, Janelle, and Jack; great-grandchildren, Tessa, Jager, Kiya and Rylee; great-great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Coleson and Bridger; brothers-in-law, Don and Ron Crail and Ray Biehl; numerous nieces and nephews.
In the last few years of Jack’s life, it was made possible for him to remain at home and live independently with the help of nephew Bob Bechtel and his wife. This was much appreciated by Jack.
Jack went into the Air Force at a young age. After four years in the Air Force, he spent most of his life in the woods as a logger, which he loved. His love for cutting timber took him to all the states in the northwest region. He also owned a successful logging company for several years in the Flathead Valley. He spent many of his weekends and days off doing the things he loved, hunting and fishing with his wife, Carolyn; brothers-in-law; and best friends Ben Bailey and Gene Hill.
He loved shooting a good game of pool with his best friend Ben Bailey. After Ben passed, Jack would look forward to Ben’s son, John, traveling back to the valley and meeting him to play a good competitive game of pool.
Jack was very fortunate to have several nieces, nephews and their wives that would meet him to play a round or two or three of pool at the local taverns in the valley.
The last few months Jack enjoyed the company of his nephew, Lee Johnson. He and Lee took many road trips to outlying casinos and enjoyed gambling and a good meal. This meant so much to Jack, he looked forward to these outings.
The celebration of Jack's life will be held at the Eagles in Kalispell on Jan. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m.