In Loving Memory of
Gene (Eugene) Slape
1936—2021
Virtual Celebration of Life was held on April 10, 2021 at 3:00 PM PDT
Watch the Celebration of Life
Gene Slape was born in a log cabin near Chester OK to Everett & Martha Slape on Sept. 29, 1936 and passed away peacefully of heart failure on January 22, 2021 at his home in Seattle, WA.
As the eldest of 7 he developed self-reliance and resilience at an early age; as sharecroppers the family moved every year until he was in high school.
Gene was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Texas Wesleyan College and proceeding on to Southern Baptist Seminary. As the phone rang and life presented various career opportunities, Gene had the courage to accept the challenges, beginning as Adult Probation, Parole, and Corrections Supervisor (TX and WA); Director of a King County DUI Diversion program; Faculty member at Seattle U (Community Service); Founder of the Maple Leaf Center, a family therapy practice and multi-disciplinary family center; and then establishing his personal computer business (Cyberdoc).
Gene was a great father to Regina and Randy (deceased), and a loving grandfather to Kyle (31), Grant (28), Jed (24), and Bonnie (21). Many children called him Santa with his white beard and jolly “Ho-Ho-Ho!”
An unending sense of adventure and curiosity took Gene and Marian Svinth, his wife and trip planner, to various parts of the world, most especially to Chacala, Mexico.
Gene was known for his great smile, laughter, a compassionate heart, and sense of humor. He never lost his “down to earth” nature. Ever the hard worker, Gene accomplished so much in his lifetime. Creating a home and family in Seattle and the mountain cabin near Mt. Rainier he loved were among his most cherished accomplishments. Gene gave his best to all of us and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Treehouse, Hopelink, or Northwest Harvest.
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I was so incredibly touched by Gene’s memorial service. What an incredible man. I was most touched by Bonnie saying, “he was never judgmental about any decisions I made”. What a gift — to everyone who knew him, and also for me. Thank you Bonnie, and Gene. And thank you, Marian, for putting together this gift of love for Gene and for all who knew and loved him. You are a treasure. I’m here with you forever. OXOX
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Marian,
We feel very fortunate to have known Gene and to have the opportunity to attend today’s celebration of his life. He was a very special and caring individual and his ability to connect with/touch others’ lives is like none other we’ve seen. Chuck remembers how much he looked forward to seeing Gene at the Simpson gatherings and talking with him about life, baseball, dogs and more. I recall that Gene was always so welcoming and would often kid me about something, but I never quite knew what to make of his sense of humor (now I know I’m not the only one who experienced that).
We raise our glasses to Gene, an unforgettable man who meant so much to so many!
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Gene was a warm, wonderful, and hilarious presence at the annual Light Party. I’m glad I knew him, even briefly. My condolences to Marian and the family. May his memory be a blessing.
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This wonderful loving, joyful, thoughtful man was and is a brother to me, in the dearest sense. What more can I say?
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What a joy to get to know Gene through this service. I loved hearing these memories and seeing the wonderful photos. Along with so many others in the Gathering, I celebrate Gene’s love and care–as a grandfather, husband and friend. Sending love and hugs to you, Marian!
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I always enjoyed seeing “Santa” at the wonderful light party gatherings. Warm thoughts go out to you, Marian, and all who loved Gene.
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Geno, Miss you so much, we had such good times together and you have a special place in my heart and soul. Life will not be the same without your hugs, your Ho, Ho, Ho’s and your presence among us. So many of your friends have written wonderful words about you, I cannot fill the void you have left with words. You are missed and I have lost a dear, dear friend. I love you.
Marti Bunyard
Gene will Think of you in many ways as a great friend and the many adventures we executed together. Always thinking of the future and the people around you who grew as a result of your knowledge and commitment. The coast, mountains, cabin,. movies, and dinners each have special memories, which I will remember you with. Your commitment to the positive, I thank you for being a friend.
Larry Bunyard
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We so admired Gene’s gentle nature and his devotion to family. We always looked forward to his stories when he and Marian visited us in Washington, D.C. You will be missed our friend, but never forgotten.
Karol and Richard Popkin
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Gene and I were classmates in Cheyenne Valley. I passed algebra only because of his excellent help. It was great to see him in Fairview at our class reunion. Other classmates, Don Gard and Gail Murray Herring have also recently passed. We were small in number but great in accomplishments. My sympathy to the entire family. Carolyn Nicholson Hein
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A friend is like that favorite sweater. With time, it folds and stretches to become the go-to for comfort, ease and joy. Even when it is tattered and worn and eventually but a memory, thoughts of it continue to embrace me with love.
That is a friend.
That was Gene.
Anne
I just want to cry
But the tears don’t come
Why did you die?
I just want to cry
But the tears don’t come
Why did you die?
Sorting out the memories
Those we love and lose
Are no longer where they were before
They are now wherever we are
Jim
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I feel very blessed to have been included as a friend of Gene’s, and to have been able to spend time with him with his beloved dog, Koko, and some other special dogs, who also recognized Gene’s sweet and gentle spirit. Greatly missed by all of us.
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Loved having Gene and Marian visit us! Gene, you were modestly insightful and fun. Wish you could have visited more often. We’ll be visiting you someday. Rest well.
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To the ‘loving doctor’ I love our brief but very heartfelt conversations and you always made me laugh! Will miss that as we will all miss you! Maria
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To Brother Gene — thanks for the good times and for Gene’s Beans. I shall not forget you – or the beans – still trying to perfect them. You knew my heart for that and for you, I am grateful. Love in the past, the now and the hereafter. Love.
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Gene had a ready laugh and a quick wit. Spending weeks with him and Marian in Chacala, Mexico for years, we toured, ate wonderful food, read many books, and played dominos every single night of each vacation trip. Gene was incredibly accepting of others, for which I am personally grateful. Miss you, Gene. Vaya con Dios!
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Gene always had a hearty laugh and a smile that put you at ease whether at a cocktail reception or at home. He cared deeply and advocated for many worthy organizations and causes he was passionate about. He will be missed greatly but never forgotten!
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What a blessing to know Gene!
His humor, infectious smile and clever ways with words, will always make us smile.
He made the world better a better place in so many way, and will always be remembered by us.
Marlene and Bill Holayter
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Through my lens Gene Slape was the model partner, friend, supporter, encourager and provider of consistent down to earth views and solutions to the challenges of life. He never failed to give his big “teddy bear” hugs that made you know you were hugged. His smile, quick wit and wisdom will be carried by me throughout my life. My life is richer for the presence of Gene. Marian, thank you for your generosity in sharing Gene with so many of us.
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Gene was always full of fun quips and clever words when we met to do his taxes. He called me DR – the closest I will ever get to that being true. He was kind, generous, loved his family and a gift to know. i am so lucky to have spent time each tax season working on the return with him. I will always remember him.