"Gaye" Gazel Lawrence Sladek

P.Eng., BSc Mechanical Engineer, Master of Commerce

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished brother and uncle, Gazel “Gaye” Sladek, in San Francisco, California on September 17, 2018 at the age of 91 years.

Gaye was born on July 5, 1927 as the first Canadian-born child of immigrant parents, Gaspar and Ilona Sladek. Because of the strong religious beliefs of the family, Gaye was a believer. He attended Norfolk School in Pine Creek, MB and when the family moved to Gladstone in 1941, he enrolled in the Gladstone High School.

In 1950, Gaye obtained a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba. In 1957, he received a Master of Commerce Degree in Business Administration from the University of Toronto. In 1960-61, Gaye graduated with a degree in Concrete Technology from Imperial College in London, England.

During these years, Gaye worked as an aircraft design engineer with Auro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario for 7 years. He also worked on many diverse projects with engineering consulting firms; doing structural designs of bridges, high rise buildings, and the Gladstone Water Treatment Plant.

In 1964, Gaye accepted a position with Bechtel Corporation, a large engineering and consulting firm located in San Francisco, California. He worked for the company for 25 years as a Civil/Structural Engineer responsible for designing and supervising major projects in the nuclear power plant industrial field. Gaye had many red-eye flights to New Jersey for nuclear plants that took 10 years to complete; supervising a staff of 100 engineers. Gaye retired in 1989 as a Principal Engineer.

Gaye retired in the home that he so loved in San Francisco; fiercely independent in his own home to the end. Throughout his life, Gaye returned to Manitoba every year; recognizing his roots and his strong love of family. He was very proud of his Hungarian heritage; embracing the culture and the food that he so enjoyed. Gaye travelled extensively throughout the world; also learning Spanish to help him better communicate with the locals in other countries such as Guatemala and Costa Rica. He also kept busy in his retirement with a number of projects in his home; designing and completing beautiful renovation work. He was also a perfectionist in all that he did; including having the most beautiful printing that we have ever seen. One of his most prized possessions was a maroon 1934 Model A Roadster that he was so proud of.

Gaye was a very kind and loving person; always ready to listen. He had great compassion for those who were less fortunate in life and was a very generous and charitable person.

Gaye was predeceased by his parents Gaspar & Ilona Sladek; brother George; sisters Jennifer and Mary; brothers in law Tony Karaz, Jack Litton and Andy Moyes; nephew Sherman Litton as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Gaye is survived by his sisters Stephanie Karaz, Julie Sladek and Beth Litton; sister in law Maudie Sladek; many nieces, nephews and their children.

According to Gaye’s wishes, a family funeral is planned.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of "Gaye" Gazel Lawrence Sladek, please visit our floral store.