1943
Merlin
2024
Merlin Wayne Slack
September 24, 1943 — March 29, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada
Merlin was born September 24, 1943, in Cedar City, Utah to his parents Calvin and Mae Slack. He was the 2nd youngest of 9 children. He was raised in a home of love but learned at an early age the value of hard work. He told stories of helping his dad herd sheep all over the Cedar mountains, as well as helping his Mom with the many chores at home. Merlin loved to be outside and spent most of his youth exploring and having adventures with his older siblings.
After high school he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. There he became a Ford brake mechanic. He worked in the same location, through 4 different ownerships for 50 years. He was well known throughout the valley as the top ranked brakeman. In fact, there were many people, including mobsters, that only trusted his work.
It was through mutual friends that he finally met the love of his life, Patricia (Patty) Solem. They were married on April 3, 1965, and were later able to bring two of their children to the St. George temple to be sealed together as a family on May 28, 1977.
Merlin's love for everything cars quickly turned into becoming part of a drag racing club, The Shy Shifters. The guys were always busy working on the dragster, which left Patty on the sideline, so he souped up her Dodge Dart for her to race also. His story was that he had to sell "His Baby" because he was "Having a Baby" (Michelle).
Later in life, Merlin became very active in the Boy Scouting program through his church. He touched many boys' lives as a mentor, example and often as a surrogate father figure. He had kept in touch with many of "His Boys" throughout the years. There was nothing more important to him than to see to it that all boys could have the opportunity to achieve the many goals that scouting offered.
Merlin's scouting legacy was not just helping boys turn into young men, but he achieved many awards of recognition himself. He achieved the On My Honor Award, Award of Merit, Scoutmaster's Key, Wood Badge beads and the highest rank available to an adult, The Silver Beaver Award. He and Patty both served on the Eagle Board of Review, and as a Scoutmaster, Unit Commissioner, Venturing Crew Associate Advisor, staff member of the Mountain Man Rendezvous, Scoutmaster training and a member of The Order of the Arrow.
Merlin was a very active member of his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many callings in the Church but his greatest joy was working with the youth.
His love for the outdoors culminated in many "camping" family vacations. He wanted to instill that love into his children as well. Many locations traveled included, Navajo Lake, Zion National Park, Crater Lake, Yosemite, and The Redwood Forest.
Merlin touched the lives of many with his unwavering compassion, generosity, and wisdom. His presence brought warmth and joy to every gathering. His laughter was infectious, and his genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued and appreciated.
He will be deeply missed by his family members, friends, and those in the community. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to live on in the memories and hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on April 27, 2024, at 485 Mission Drive, Henderson, NV. 89002. The interment will be the following day at 1:00 pm in Cedar City, Utah.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merlin Wayne Slack, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Funeral Service
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Pacific time)
Mission Drive
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