Gregory Slavik

Gregory Michael Slavik, aged 73, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri (later Sanibel Island, Florida), passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 19, 2024, at St. Luke’s North. He was born on July 11, 1950, in Kansas City, Kansas, and was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Long) Slavik.

Growing up, Greg was an avid young golfer at Mirror Lake Country Club in Parkville, Missouri, where he could be found honing his game or caddying. When he wasn’t playing little league, he enjoyed the weekends with family at the Lake of the Ozarks on the Little Niangua. He enjoyed cliff jumping and excelled at slalom water skiing.  

At age 16, Greg met Vikki, and they became high school sweethearts. They married in 1972, and raised three beautiful children. Many loving pets were part of the family, but the most endearing were Cinnamon, Haley, and Bentley. He loved tossing tiny balls for his Toy Yorkie to fetch. Because of their love of the outdoors, Greg and Vikki bought a small home at the Lake of the Ozarks so the kids could have the joy of the lake as he once had. Card games, such as canasta and spades, board games, and jigsaw puzzles were a staple wherever they were. Some of the best memories were playing hide and go seek under the dock, and raking and burning the fall leaves. Countless hours were spent on the water; tubing, skiing, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and exploring. Friends were drawn to hanging out with the Slavik family, and at times it was wonderfully chaotic. Greg and Vikki instilled patriotism and the value of family traditions. Christmas, in particular,  was a joyous occasion because each family member helped in cooking a big breakfast. 

Greg graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1968, followed by the University of Kansas with a degree in business. He was an avid Jayhawk basketball fan. Upon graduation, he followed into his father’s business, Regal Plastic Supply Company, where he spent his entire career in sales, finance and later as President. He, alongside his nephew Ricky and son Shawn, loved coaching his son Nicholas’ little league team for Regal. Greg considered the employees at Regal to be like family, and he loved portraying Santa at the annual Christmas party. Greg had a heart of gold and was compassionate and generous. His juvenile sense of humor carried throughout his life. Greg was a mentor and friend to nearly everyone. 

Many friendships and family bonding were formed through outings over the decades. Their passion for golf carried throughout their lives, and their children acquired that same love of the game. One of Greg’s most cherished traditions was the annual Desert Princess boy’s golf trip in Palm Springs, California, which still continues today.  Another was his weekly poker game with the boys. Lastly, the family and close friends relished in their trips to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. 

In 2018, Greg and Vikki, with their children’s blessing and support, found their forever home on Sanibel Island, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico. Both worked tirelessly making their backyard pool and gardens an oasis for all to enjoy. He loved walking from one end of the pool to the other, hose in one hand, stogie in the other, with a bucket hat on while watering his plants. A friend once said, she admired his creativity of getting his work done while staying cool in the tropical heat. He found simplicity and serenity in their beautiful backyard, surrounded by wildlife. Greg eagerly awaited Vikki’s daily return from the beach with her collection of seashells, which he carefully cleaned and polished. They also took joy in traveling the United States in “Blue”, their beautiful motorhome. A few meaningful trips were to see Niagara Falls, Catskill Mountains, and Bethel, New York, the sight of Woodstock. They loved that Vikki’s sister, Sandy, was able to travel with them to visit the famous Biltmore Hotel. A dream cruise to Alaska where they rode horses in the wilderness, hiked to a glacier, and watched the salmon run was a highlight. 

Greg leaves behind his loving wife, Vikki (Thomas); sister, Karen McFarlane (Bob); brother, Bob Slavik (Jane); son, Shawn Slavik (Catie) and daughter Makenzie; son, Nicholas Slavik (Molly) and children Jack, Thomas, Benjamin, and Charlotte; daughter, Jennifer Musgrave (Chris) and children Sydney and Graham; and extended family. He cherished his role as a grandfather, always eager to share stories, play games, and impart wisdom.  His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and his legacy of kindness and laughter will live on through them.

Following Greg’s wishes, there will be no formal service; however, the family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Greg was a man of great stature, the pinnacle of the Slavik household, and forever known as “Big Cat.” Greg was a gentle man, with a quiet devout faith. We know Greg is up in heaven, and embraced by loved ones, and will be sorely missed.