Keith Slack
May 20, 1924-Jan. 3, 2016
Palo Alto, California

Keith Vollmer Slack passed away peacefully on Jan. 3, 2016, at age 91, holding hands with Helen, his best friend and wife of 52 years. Keith was born on May 20, 1924, in Louisville, Kentucky, to James Warrren Slack and Emily Louise (Knecht) Slack. He had a lifelong interest in science and nature, and love of the outdoors and animals.

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II as a weather observer during the Aleutian Islands Campaign, Keith attended college beginning in 1946 at the University of Kentucky where he received Bachelor and Master of Science degrees Phi Beta Kappa in zoology, with honors and distinction. A talented and dedicated student, he continued his studies at Indiana University where he earned a Ph.D. in 1953 with a major in zoology (limnology) and minors in geology and botany.

After graduation, Keith began a storied career as a United States government scientist, working for the U.S. Navy as an oceanographer assigned an eclectic array of responsibilities ranging from the rather mundane preparation of marine biology reports, to assisting in classified military minesweeper defense efforts locating and disarming hazardous ordinance. Before long Keith decided that he would be happier and safer on land, and in 1960 began working for the Water Resources Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey in Washington D.C. He continued to work for the U.S. Geological Survey until his retirement in 1990, capping a career studded with awards for his meritorious and distinguished service.

It was in Washington D.C. in 1960 that Keith met the girl who would become his wife, life-partner and constant companion: Helen Louise Emerson. Helen and Keith moved to Palo Alto, California, in 1964 where they resided, in the same family home, for over 50 years. Keith was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Family and friends knew him as a sweet, quiet, humble man who was loved by all who had the good fortune to meet him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Helen Louise (Emerson) Slack; his four children, Sallie Tonascia (Gerald) of Nipomo, California, Thom Slack (Katie) of Phoenix, Arizona, Dan Slack (Jenny) of Folsom, California, and Katie Slack of San Jose, California; his six grandchildren, Melanie Tonascia, Andrew Tonascia, Lauren Slack, Milo Slack, Sara Slack and Willow Slack; his brother, Warren Slack Jr. (Dorothy) of Lakeland, Florida; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, granddogs and friends.