Paul D. Slack
June 12, 1932 - May 23, 2026
Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend Paul Slack went home to be with his Lord on the morning of May 23, 2026, at his house in Oakley, UT, surrounded by loving family. He lived a full and extraordinary life of almost 94 years.
Paul was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1932. He was the youngest of three siblings each born ten years apart, making him a “surprise baby.” In his earliest memory, he was standing on the sidewalk and the neighbor asked his name. He decidedly replied, “I’m Cowboy Jones.” In the last years of his life and on his hospice bed, he looked out at the horses in his backyard in Oakley, Utah. He was always a cowboy.
Paul was an All-American high school and collegiate swimmer and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1955. He had a long and storied career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a one-star Brigadier General in 1986. He was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in the combat zone. From 1971 to 1973, he served as a military attaché in the White House and was awarded the Legion of Merit.
After retiring from the Marines, Paul fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Utah, where he served as Senior Vice President for Iomega Corp in Ogden. He also served nearly 10 years as a Trustee for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and on the Board of the National Ability Center. For 16 years he taught courses on the military-industrial complex and national security at the University of Utah and served as Chair of the University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board.
Paul loved Utah from the time he was a young man, and he loved horses and Westerns. He was a beloved member of his community in Park City and later Oakley, and a devoted member of his church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Park City. Paul was a loyal and caring friend, evidenced in the astounding number of phone calls and visitors he received in his last days. Paul leaves behind his daughter Lori (Tom), four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his partner Elsbeth Gugi, all of whom will miss him tremendously.
A vigil will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at St Mary’s Old Town Chapel, 121 Park Ave, Park City, Utah. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 12:00 Noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1505 White Pine Canyon Rd, Park City, Utah. He will be laid to rest with honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Toys for Tots.
In Loving Memory
So glad to was able to see Gen.Paul when I was at his home . I will be in Hood River,Org. for my Grandson Gratuation in June,Adolph
I worked for Paul at Iomega and managed the telephone and data networks for him. He was the kindest man I ever knew at Iomega. When I would go to his office to meet with him, he would never talk to me across his desk. He would come around the desk and sit at a round table as equals. I will miss him he was a great friend. Geoff Williams
The staff at the Retiree Affairs Office at Hill AFB wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to you. We hope you find solace in your sorrow and the strength to confront the days to come. Should you require assistance in finding military or veterans offices to start or complete your benefits, please reach out to us at 801-777-5735, available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We are here to provide referrals and support, HillRAO@gmail.com
A warrior and a gentleman has left us. I will surely miss him and our talks. He believed...and is in a better place. A great man and a good life. By your leave Sir!
Paul was truly one of the best parts of the Park City circle of friends. He was a rare man — kind, steady, and deeply genuine — someone who always had an encouraging word no matter the situation. I especially leaned on our friendship during the difficult time when my son was serving in a forward combat unit in Afghanistan. Paul had a quiet strength that brought comfort just by being there. We shared many good times, and a few hard ones too, often over a cocktail at Adolph’s. Known as “The General,” he was respected and admired by everyone who knew him. Paul was also a man of quiet faith. He rarely spoke about it because he lived it every day through his kindness, humility, and loyalty to others. I was grateful to hear he made it to 94 — “playing on the house’s money,” as I liked to say. He will be deeply missed, and the world was better because he was in it.
I want to express my condolences for grandfather's death. He will be missed by everyone. I'm very sorry for your Lost
Salute to your lifetime of selfless service sir. I'm honored and humbled to share this wonderful community in the Wasatch mountains with you. I'd loved to have met you sir. Godspeed to peace and rest. Thank your for your service.
It was a privilege to have called Paul my friend for the past 18 years. We first met at Park Meadows Country Club on the Long Range Planning Committee, and hit it off. Ever since, lunch every few months... persisted until this past winter. Paul was one of the founder/owners of the Club until he sold it to the members around the turn of the millennium. His member number was "3" at his suggestion. Always modest, concerned about others, super-intelligent, and conversant, he was not only a good friend. He also was one of the really few good men, and a great servant to the United States of America. Paul will be sorely missed.
Paul was such a wonderful friend and supporter of the National Ability Center. In his tenure on the Board of the Center he facilitated many sponsorships and donations. He was such a kind and caring man. I send you my deepest condolences. May your fond memories comfort you in this time.
General Slack was our Company Officer when I was a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. His leadership made us one of the top Companies in the Annual Brigade Competition. In recent years, some members of the Company started a monthly ZOOM gathering and we located and invited him to join us. I spoke to him shortly before he died and he told me how much he really appreciated connecting with us. We enjoyed connecting with him. He will be missed!
We have lost a true patriot, a dedicated leader, and a cherished friend. As a Brigadier General, General Slack inspired everyone around him with their unwavering commitment to duty and excellence. I am profoundly grateful for his service and for the privilege of calling him a friend. May the General’s memory be a blessing and may he report to his final duty station".
Sincere condolences to all of the Slack family. We reconnected 4 years ago after going through a family album and seeing a photo from Hawaii with Paul and family back in the 1960's I think. His sister, Barbara, married my Dad's brother and she too was a wonderful person. Paul was such a good listener and story teller and I was fortunate to have had many phone conversations and heard his wonderful laugh, his crystal clear memory of military and business ventures and his deep love of his family and Gugi. I sent an email the other day wishing him a happy birthday, which, no doubt, he's celebrating on eagles wings.
In Loving Memory
