Werner Robert Slocum

Werner Robert Slocum, age 59, passed away on November 24, 2023 at Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado. Werni or Vern, as he was known to many friends, passed away peacefully after suffering a stroke. His wife, Christie, and sister, Erika, were by his side.

Vern graduated from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan in 1987. He later went on to work for The Morning Sun and The Ledger Star. He freelanced for many newspapers in the Midwest and organizations including The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and the Associated Press. He was also a photo instructor at Michigan State University and a photo advisor for MSU’s newspaper, The State News. Eventually, Colorado was on the horizon, a place he loved to vacation and ski. He moved to Colorado in 2000. Vern worked at Hill and Company, Colorado Printing, The Rocky Mountain News, The Denver Post and most recently he was a photographer for The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.

Living in Colorado provided a window of opportunity for Vern’s love of photography. Vern enjoyed being outdoors hiking, camping, snowshoeing, mountain biking, kayaking and photographing the changing seasons, mountains and wildlife. He was an amazing photographer and had a keen sense of humor. He always made people laugh. As a final gift, Vern’s corneas were donated to help two people regain their sight.

Vern was the most loving husband, brother and son. He is survived by his wife, Christie, his mother, Ursula Sembach and step-father, Dave, his sister, Erika Schiffer, and her children, Kaelin and Alex. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Slocum. Vern is also survived by his step-siblings Kim Cavanah, Keel Arlia, Kage Cavanah, Kohl Cavanah, Shawn Sembach, Scott Sembach, and their spouses and children. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Vern’s wishes were to be cremated. A special time has been set up to allow his dogs to view him before cremation. This includes Myka, his beloved Siberian husky, Ranger and Murphy. Celebrations of life will take place at a later date. Donations can be sent to Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, CO (foothillsanimalshelter.org) or Red Fern Animal Rescue (redfernanimalrescue.org).