"Jack" Slakinski

It is with sadness, but eternal gratitude, that the family of Jack Slakinski announces his passing on Friday, Apr. 14, 2023, at the age of 87 yrs.

Born on November 12, 1935, in Bruno, SK, Jack overcame so many obstacles to live a long and productive life.  Jack and his siblings were orphaned in 1937, and were unable to grow up together. Jack was graciously taken in and raised by the Fisher family in the town of Bruno.

After his schooling, Jack moved around the province before settling in Saskatoon with the support and assistance of Elmwood Residences in 1969.  While his immediate family pre-deceased Jack by many years, his Elmwood family provided him with an independent home and the opportunity to work at various jobs around the city. In 2015, Jack moved into Elmwood’s Kinsmen Manor, where he remained as the longest serving and eldest member of his community. Jack had many care workers and support staff who helped him thrive, none more than his dear friend, Linda Boyko, and the Elmwood staff and residents, past and present.

In 2022, Jack was rediscovered by his niece, Jan (Blair) Gullickson, and cousin, Donna (Mike) Okrusko, while doing family tree research. Since that time, Jack’s family came to a deep appreciation of the many special qualities he possessed. With a kind and gentle soul, Jack was fiercely independent, determined, and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He had a wry sense of humour and liked to be a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. From his clothing to his rings and watches, Jack had an eye for fashion and style. Jack loved to go on outings, whether it was to watch the Saskatoon Blades or on the road to Victoria, Las Vegas, and back to Bruno in search of his roots. He enjoyed a good smoke, traditional old-time country music, Ford Mustangs, and dancing.

Jack’s family cannot express enough thankfulness to his Elmwood family for the care, love, and support they provided him over the years. You were his “people” and he loved you dearly. His extended family is incredibly grateful for the short time we have had to reconnect and share in his life.

Jack is predeceased by his parents, Frank and Isabella (Dickhoff) Slakinski, and his siblings: Clarence Slakinski, Clifford Slakinski, Donald Slater, Al Slater, Genevieve Britton, Denis Slater, Ken Antonuk, and Russel Slater.

Jack was a man of faith and will be celebrated in a funeral mass to be held at St. Bruno Catholic Parish, in Bruno, SK, on Monday, April 24, at 11:00 am. A short interment and tea will follow.

Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to Elmwood Residences Transportation Fund, 2012 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, SK, S7J 2H5.