William SLAZYK

Family-Placed Death Notice

SLAZYK, William DR. WILLIAM EDWARD SLAZYK Dr. William Edward Slazyk, 64, returned to the Lord God his Father and Redeemer on the morning of March 28, 2013. His passing was peaceful but unexpected. The loss of his tender and kind spirit has left a gaping emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends and students. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Edward G. and Alice Janowczyk Slazyk of Buffalo, New York. As a young boy, Bill spent countless hours trapping and fly-fishing in the woods that surrounded his home. He developed an exuberant love of nature which he enjoyed for the rest of his life. While attending the University of Buffalo where he earned a B.S. degree in Health Science, Bill participated in the track and field program throwing the shot put, discus and javelin. He loved basketball equally well, reminiscing often about playing in pick-up games with professional athletes around the Buffalo area. After graduation, Bill worked as a public health scientist for seven years at the Erie County Public Health Laboratories before pursuing his doctorate degree at UNC at Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, Bill began a 28 years career at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, from which he retired in September, 2011. During his free time, Bill could be found playing "AA" ALTA tennis, competing in highly competitive basketball leagues, talking to his neighbors, working in his garden at home, and - one of his favorites - eating breakfast at Evans Fine Foods. Bill adored all of the people associated with these activities. In the late 1980's, Bill survived a nearly fatal plane crash. Against all odds, he regained his ability to walk and to work. In spite of chronic pain and multiple surgeries, he never complained. More recently Bill became a constant support for his now deceased mother-in-law Sarah Bell. As he encouraged her to recover from a stroke, she and Bill became best friends. The joy in the home he and Debbie shared was contagious as Sarah and Bill laughed about their frequent practical jokes on each other. In 2007 Bill joined the Chattahoochee High School Track and Field team where he happily developed another passion in his life - helping young people see their potential and encouraging them to accomplish their goals. In 2009, Bill was offered the opportunity to transfer to Johns Creek High School where he became an ardent student of the throwing techniques for the discus and shot put. Although Bill loved his throwers and his fellow coaches, he also took time to meet and support other students involved in the non-throwing events. His support for the kids was authentic, and he took the greatest pride in their growth as people - not just as athletes. Bill is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Debbie Bell; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara E. and Gerald A. Lipa; his sister and brother-in-law, Judith L. and David Montfort; in-laws, Carol Marie Bell and Anthony Bell, and his best friends, Clem Brannen and Tom Holder. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Coach Slazyk "Throw Long" College Scholarship Fund. Donations may be mailed to JOHNS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022. A celebration of his life with the students and staff members of Johns Creek and Chattahoochee High Schools will be held at Johns Creek Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors at the Floral Hills Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A wake to celebrate his life will be held immediately following the service. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park. Tributes may be left at www.FloralHillsFuneral.com.