A celebration of the life of Jerry Slavik by his friends, family and community. Saturday, August 25th, 2018
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Monday, August 20, 2018
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Final Press Release - August 15, 2018
For Immediate Release:
Local charities bring Teddy Bear Clinic, Race the Track, Shoot the Net and more to Jerry’s Friends Day
Jerry’s Friends Day, at Alumni Field, University of Windsor, Alumni Field, on August 25th, 2018
Knobby’s Kids – Join mini-hockey scrimmage games, or, test your speed at shoot the net. Hockey sticks provided.
University of Windsor Athletic Club – Make sure your running shoes are on to sign up for a mini-track meet. Different age divisions.
EMS & William E. Macri 4th Memorial Watch – Kids can check out the ambulance while parents/grandparents can learn about the Vulnerable Patient Program
St. Clair College Alumni Association – 3 princesses will be waiting to greet kids – have your cameras ready.
Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation – Bring your teddy bear or stuffie to the Teddy Bear Clinic for a complete check-up.
Windsor Hospice – Be ready to dance on the track as the Hospice rock n roll band takes stage at 8 pm.
The evening culminates with fireworks at approx. 9 pm.
We will be raising funds for these important charities during the event so bring your change and small bills.
Other activities include:
- Matthew Romain, Laughtertainer at the Stadium entrance gates
- Fire department arrives at 6 pm to help cool down active kids
- Food trucks
- Zoo2You Petting Zoo
- Popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs & sausages
- Face painting and tattoos
- A special Memory Lap for Jerry will commence at 5:30, and for a donation, guests will receive an official Jerry’s Friends Day runners bib to join the celebratory race.
About Jerry Slavik: Local philanthropist, business owner, organizer extraordinaire, Jerry supported organizations and causes that stressed participation, opportunity, and fun. He was passionate about Windsor and helped to build expertise in the track and field community to host world class events such as the Canadian Olympic Track and Field qualifying meet for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His enthusiasm extended to all age groups with Knobby’s Kids offering a skate and hockey program for 3 to 13-year olds.
The tribute event for Jerry Slavik is open to the entire community. Jerry’s Friends Day is an opportunity for his family to thank everyone who came into Jerry’s life and gave of their time, support and friendship.
For more information:
Mary Slavik
Event Chair
Contact Details: jerrysfriendsday@gmail.com; 416-455-9137
Media sites:
Website: (blog) https://jerrysfriendsacelebration.blogspot.com
FB: https://facebook.com/jerrys.friends.a.celebration/
IG: https://instagram.com/jerrys.friends.celebration/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JerrysFriends
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Memory Wall
Would you like to record a video about your fondest memories of Jerry?
We are pleased to announce that Roger Faubert will be at the event on August 25th to record your memories which will be posted to this site.
If you landed here on the HOME Page, Click "READ MORE" to post a written memory now!
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Jerry's Charities
Back in 2005, Robert “Knobby” Knudson had heard about a bunch of kids who wanted to play hockey but whose families could not afford to play in existing leagues. Knobby approached Frank Spry and Jerry to figure out how to get these kids on the ice. Knowing there were likely many more kids wanting to play hockey, they formed Knobby’s Kids at Lanspeary Park. However, Knobby’s isn’t just about hockey, it’s about introducing kids to their first pair of skates and the exhilaration of skating. Now getting ready for its 13th season, Knobby’s is open for children ages 3 – 13. Gear is provided for free, thanks to generous donations of equipment, as well as skating and hockey instruction. The program is held on Saturday morning beginning at 8 am.
Knobby’s Kids is grateful for the support of the St. Clair College Alumni Association that provides an annual grant of $5,000 to cover the cost of ice rental and program insurance. In 2016, the Gary Wilson Foundation made a generous grant of $10,000.
Knobby's Kids will be the proud recipient of proceeds from The Kirk Dame Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 26th.
Knobby’s continues to flourish under a new team of volunteers, with Marty Kerester and Chris Patten leading the team. For more information about Knobby’s Kids, and to register for the upcoming season, VISIT THE KNOBBY'S KIDS FACEBOOK PAGE.
St. Clair College Alumni Association
Jerry’s relationship with St. Clair College grew out of his friendship with John Fairley, long-time VP College Communications and Community Relations. Jerry and John served on many volunteer boards and committees over the years, and, John looked to Jerry as a mentor.
John was following the news about Knobby’s Kids when he learned they were having trouble raising money to pay for the annual ice rental. Recognizing the importance of this program to kids wanting to learn how to skate and play hockey, John went to the St. Clair College Alumni Association to seek their annual sponsorship to cover the total cost of the ice rental and insurance for the winter program at Lanspeary Park.
The 2018/2019 marks the 9th anniversary of financial support from the Alumni Association to Knobby’s Kids.
William “Bill” Macri began his inspiring career as a paramedic in 1981 post graduation from the Paramedic program (EMCA) at St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Science. Bill ushered in the era of defribrillation and initiation of base hospitals, and with that the advancement of skills and education opportunites for the paramedic, something he was passionate about. He involved himself in every aspect of his profession.
Bill truly loved being a paramedic. He respected the work, the people and most of all the patients and families entrusted to his care. Bill was awarded the Governor General's EMS Exemplary Service medal in 2009. Bill's career ended in July 2013 when his valiant battle with cancer ended and took his life.
He was a great man who displayed honour, courage, dedication, compassion and humility. He considered serving his community and fellow emergency responders as a privilege of the highest order. The William Macri Memorial 4th Watch was established to continue Bill’s commitment to promoting a culture of respect and pride amongst paramedics through education, support, communication and partnerships with other emergency service responders and the community. And, to improve the community’s understanding of this service by connecting people and resource. The Bill Macri Memorial Scholarship has been instituted at St. Clair College to support a student in need who is in the Paramedic Program.
Jerry’s family has selected this as one of the events designated charities in gratitude for the tremendous support, aid, and professionalism extended by paramadics (EMS) to Jerry as they came to his aid many times over the years.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County
It is somewhat bittersweet that Jerry’s passing coincides with the retirement of Hospice Executive Director, Carol Derbyshire. In 1979, Jerry and Carol were early recruits to serve on the organizing committee to form the hospice program in Windsor. They formed a life-long friendship as their paths crossed over many committees and organizations. Jerry was always on hand to lend any type of support to Windsor Hospice that was needed to ensure that patients and families would receive compassionate care close to home.
Donations to Hospice will be allocated to the area of greatest need. Should you wish to make a donation to Windsor Hospice, please CLICK HERE then click on the Hospice's "Donate Now" button.
Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation
Jerry raised his family and built his business in Windsor because he thought this was the best place to be. Windsor was obviously good enough to be the center of the auto industry in Canada, so why was the province not investing in its health care? Why was the province making desperately ill people travel to London or Toronto for treatment? When community leaders started talking about building a cancer centre, Jerry became one of its founding members of what is now known as the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. Quite simple, Windsorites deserved access to compassionate care close to home.
The injury Jerry sustained in the car accident in 1964 continued to plague him his entire life. (He will be the first to admit that he always didn’t follow doctor’s orders.) But when he needed attention at the hospital, he did everything he could to have his care in Windsor.
The family is immensely grateful to the many nurses, doctors, housekeepers, technicians, dietitians - all those that worked hard for Jerry – for their dedication to health care in Windsor.
Donations to the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation will be designated to the area of greatest need. Should you wish to make a donation to WRHF, please CLICK HERE then review "Ways to Give."
To contribute to our GoFundMe:
Friday, July 20, 2018
Save the Date Press Release
Jerry’s Friends Day
The Slavik family invites Jerry’s friends to a joyous celebration of his life and community. Everyone who enjoyed Jerry’s company – neighbours, athletes, students, volunteers, coaches, etc. – is welcome to enjoy an afternoon of fun and food, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display.
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018 (rain or shine)
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: University of Windsor, Alumni Field
To sign up to volunteer, post your memories, or make donation, visit:
https://facebook.com/jerrys.friends.a.celebration
or
https://jerrysfriendsacelebration.blogspot.com
All proceeds from this celebration will benefit the charities closest to Jerry’s heart.
For further press information, please contact Mary Slavik at maryslavik1@gmail.com, or 416-455-9137.
To contribute to our GoFundMe Campaign for this event, Please click this button:
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Events Schedule and Visitor Information
Jerry’s Friends Day is open to the public. There is no entrance fee. Money is being raised for charities that were important to Jerry, so bring your loonies and toonies and help support the great work being done in Windsor and Essex County!
We invite you to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the fireworks at approximately 9 pm.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THIS IS AN ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WILL BE ALLOWED INTO THE STADIUM.
THIS IS AN ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WILL BE ALLOWED INTO THE STADIUM.
Event volunteers reserve the right to check any large bags or picnic baskets.
Thank you to the University of Windsor for providing this wonderful facility, and to the Campus Security, for helping us to manage activity throughout the day. Please take the time to visit the sponsors page to read the list of sponsors and organizations that have made Jerry’s Friend’s Day possible.
Parking
Using Transit Windsor?
Passport to Fun
- Entrance is at the stadium ticket gate on College Ave. where each person over the age of 2 will receive one passport.
- The passport entitles you to one free item or selected activity while supplies or quantities last. Not all activities require the passport.
- Passports are not available in advance of the event.
EVENTS
Activities run from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Specific times listed are approximate and subject to change.
Purchase a running bib with your donation and join us at track side, under the balloon arch, as we walk/run one lap in memory of Jerry. All donations from Jerry’s Memory Lap will go directly to our charity tally.
Fish Pond – Passport activity for 2 – 4 year olds. (No live fish are involved)
Face Painting & Sport Tattoos – Passport activity for all kids.
Amy's Kids Corner – Passport activity for all kids. A variety of crafts, including feather painting.
Zoo2You Petting Zoo – Open to all!!!
Race the Track – Mini-track event for ages 6 – 10, and 10 – 14. Hosted by the University of Windsor Athletics Club (stay tuned for details)
Shoot the Net – Test the speed of your shot. Hosted by Knobby's Kids. Passport activity for all kids. Mini-scrimmage hockey games. Sticks provided.
Windsor Fire Department – if it’s too hot outside, visit the fire truck and cool down under the fire hose.
The Vulnerable Patient Program - For adults, visit a display to learn all about the special services offered to vulnerable seniors living at home. For kids, colouring sheets are on hand. Hosted by: EMS & the William E. Macri 4th Watch.
Fitness Breaks – Keep your eye on the stage to participate in short fitness breaks.
*** The Windsor Hospice Wellness Band will serenade everyone from 8 – 9 P.M. ***
50/50 draw – Keep your eye open for 50/50 ticket sellers. Draw will be held at approx. 8:30 pm.
And be sure not to miss our
Fireworks by K & H!!!
And be sure not to miss our
Fireworks by K & H!!!
FOOD
Hot dogs and sausages – Your passport entitles you either one hot dog (from Brenners) OR one sausage (from Schinkels). Additional hot dogs or sausages can be purchased for $2 each. While quantities last!
Popcorn – Passport entitles you to one bag of popcorn while quantities last.
Cotton Candy – Passport entitles you to one cotton candy while quantities last.
Water bottles – Passport entitles you to one water bottle while supplies last. Beverages – Culligan Water has donated water stations for this event. We are not offering any other beverage unless sold by a food vendor.
PLEASE NOTE:
PLEASE NOTE:
We are working to secure additional food vendors that will be cash only.
Stay tuned for updates!
We will continue to update this page as new activities are added.
Monday, July 9, 2018
About Jerry Slavik
In the Beginning...Jerry was born on a farm in Blenheim, Ontario on June 1, 1932. His parents were Albert and Frances Slavik who immigrated from what is now the Czech Republic. His siblings were Albert, Steve, and Mary (Hedrick). Although the family moved to Windsor when Jerry was 6 months old, he and his siblings spent most of their summers working on the farm of his much loved Aunt Mary and Uncle John Koneckny.
Hockey League
Street hockey figured large in Jerry and Steve’s childhood, so it’s not surprising that once they were introduced to the ice, they became formidable defenceman. At W. D. Lowe Vocational School, which he attended between 1946 and 1950, Jerry played on 3 WSSA City Championship teams and the 1946-47 OFSAA All-Ontario Championship squad. Jerry and Steve were the biggest players on the W.D. Lowe team and received a healthy round of ‘boos’ whenever they stepped on the ice. Such were the friendships at Lowe, that a group continued to get together once a month until very recently.
In 1948, Jerry played for the Windsor Spitfires Junior “B” team which was coached by Jimmy Skinner. He played three further seasons with other local Junior “B” teams.
Family
 |
| (Back Row, L to R) Brian, Carol, John, Jerry. (Front Row, L to R) Margaret, Patti, Mary, Helen. |
Windsor Factory Supply
While in high school, Jerry met Joe Sobocan who was running for class president. When Joe asked Jerry to help with his campaign posters, Jerry's reply was, "How big, what colours and how many?" This would be the start of a friendship that would last for over 70 years.
In fact, a few years later (1955), Jerry and Joe founded Windsor Factory Supply (WFS). It was established as a profit-sharing company so that all employees would benefit from the struggles and successes of their labour - a concept that was years ahead of its time. The company grew to become the largest industrial distribution company in southwestern Ontario. Jerry was most proud of receiving the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Award. Jerry continued going to the office everyday to continue all his charitable activity and it was only illness that kept him away. In fact, Jerry was so adamant to be at work that during one major snowstorm, back in the 1980’s, he left the car in the driveway and ran to work.
A Life Changing Accident
In 1963, Jerry was driving in the company’s pick-up truck when a bicycle crossed his path. To avoid collision, Jerry turned the truck into a ditch, went through the windshield which resulted in a broken hip. With five children now at home, Helen and Jerry were told that he might not walk again. For Helen, this was an incredibly difficult time as she did not drive. Jerry’s parents were often on hand to help, but it was Helen that held their young family together. Confined in a chest to ankle body cast, he spent six months in hospital. Jerry was not interested in the doctor’s prognosis, so upon release, he turned to the Windsor YMCA to begin a lifelong commitment to rehabilitation through running. Of course, he first had to learn to walk again.
A Second Career in Racing
 |
| Jerry at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics (Back Row, 2nd from left) |
Jerry was also selected to be a track official at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics.
Jerry received numerous awards for his contributions to youth and community sports. He won the Canadian 125th Anniversary Confederation Medal for achievements on behalf of Canada in 1992. He has also won the AKO Person-of-the-Year Award, the MEDA Charitable Trust Award, the University of Windsor “A” Award, and the St. Clair College Booster Club Man-of-the-Year Award.
Acknowledging his contributions as a figure in the city’s running community, the Windsor-Essex Sports Hall of Fame inducted Jerry in 1998. And it didn't stop there. In the years that followed, Jerry was a major force in organizing both the 13th Pan American Junior Athletic Championships (2005) and the 2008 Canadian Olympic Championships/Beijing Trials - both held here in Windsor.
In 2006, Jerry helped to establish "Knobby's Kids" (named after the late Robert "Knobby" Knudsen) - a skating and hockey program for kids who cannot afford to play in organized skating or hockey leagues.
Jerry loved Windsor, and Windsor loved Jerry.
SLAVIK, Jerry: After a valiant fight, it is with tremendous sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jerry on Monday, May 14, 2017 just shy of his 86th birthday. Predeceased by son, John (June 15, 2017). Jerry leaves his loving wife Helen of 65 years. Lovingly remembered by children Carol, Patti, Brian (Sue), Mary (Steve Peters), and Margaret. Treasured grandchildren Brandon (Jordan), Steve (Natalie), Peter, Samantha, Steven (Katie), Wesley, Brooke, Lily, and great-grandson Maddix. Fondly remembered by Neil, Gloria, and Trish (Andrea). Co-founder of Windsor Factory Supply Ltd., Jerry will be missed by his partner Joe Sobocan and the WFS family. Jerry loved Windsor and worked as a volunteer to make it a better place for families. He gave his time, energy and enthusiasm to many endeavours including the founding of the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, and, Knobby’s Kids. He is a legend in Windsor track and field which sprung from his own need to recover from a serious accident in 1963. Jerry was happiest at the start of track and field season, and every meet was the most important one whether it was for elementary schools, or, the Junior Pan Am Games. Jerry loved making people happy – especially kids which made Knobby’s Kids his favourite. There was nothing better than getting to the rink at -20 degrees with pots of Tim’s hot chocolate and boxes of donuts, and then ensuring every kid had the right hockey equipment. For friends, it was his love of Czech music that help sustain a radio program in Cleveland, and, support the Dan Coppins Polka Dance in Essex. Jerry was always ready to help. Our family will miss him terribly – whether it was at the cottage or holidays at home, dad made sure we all had the best time possible. His grandchildren completely adored.
Just as Jerry was busy in the community, he kept his “health care team” busy. The family would like to thank CCAC for the tremendous care they gave to Jerry over the past 5 years that enabled him to continue to go to work (even when he was not supposed to). This past six months were especially challenging and we thank Essex Windsor EMS, the nurses at Bayshore Health Care, staff, doctors, and nurses at WRH Ouellette campus. In memory of Jerry, the family would appreciate donations to The Hospice, Knobby’s Kids, and, WRH Foundation.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
Sponsors and Event Contributors
*Providing complimentary
Parking Services
University of Windsor
Windsor Factory Supply
The Running Factory
Running Count
Culligan Canada (Windsor)
St. Clair College Alumni Association
K & H Distributing Fireworks
Brenner Packers Ltd.
Schinkels' Meat Market Ld.
Steimar Bread Co Ltd.
New events are being added! If interested in sponsoring an event activity, please email Mary Slavik, at maryslavik1@gmail.com
To contribute to our GoFundMe for this event, Please click on the button below:
Parking
There is limited on-site parking.
Thanks to the City of Windsor, local parking lots will be free of charge.
The parking lots of the Catholic Education Centre/Assumption Secondary School are also available for use.
Please note, the paths/sidewalks leading to the Catholic Education Centre/Assumption Secondary School will be closed during the fireworks.
Parking is complimentary on the day of the event in the following Lots (in blue):
Stadium Lot (G)
HK Lot (H)
St. Denis Lot (U) Reserved for Handicapped Parking
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Organizing Committee
The following people have helped to organize our event.
FRIENDS
Richard Chauvin
Maureen Dowhaniuk
Mike Havey
Leah Hills
Marty Hills
Marty Kerester
Walter Metulynsky
Victor Milosevski
Chris Patton
Sandra Podesta
Sherry Purdy
Jeff Sobocan
Lis Sorenson
Helen Vasilich
FAMILY
Steve Peters
Brian Slavik
Carol Slavik
Mary Slavik
Patti Slavik
Sam Slavik
Susan Slavik
FRIENDS
Richard Chauvin
Maureen Dowhaniuk
Mike Havey
Leah Hills
Marty Hills
Marty Kerester
Walter Metulynsky
Victor Milosevski
Chris Patton
Sandra Podesta
Sherry Purdy
Jeff Sobocan
Lis Sorenson
Helen Vasilich
FAMILY
Steve Peters
Brian Slavik
Carol Slavik
Mary Slavik
Patti Slavik
Sam Slavik
Susan Slavik
Volunteers Needed!
 |
| Caricature of Jerry by the late Bob Monks |
We are currently looking for volunteers to help out in a number of our planned activities.
Interested? Please reply by email to maryslavik1@gmail.com with the subject line: "Volunteering"
Latest update: August 8, 2018:
Many thanks to those who have signed up to volunteer. There are still lots of spaces to fill. Do you have one hour to spare?
Sign up and get a free volunteer t-shirt!
STUDENTS! This event can qualify toward high school volunteer hours! Contact Mary at maryslavik1@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Public Transportation
If you are using Transit Windsor to get to our event, please note there is no service along College Ave. However, there are two routes which can get you within a 10 minute walk.
1C Route: Get off at Felix and College, then walk east approximately 8 minutes.
Please see: Transit Windsor 1C Saturday Schedule
Crosstown 2 Route: Get off at California Ave, walk south to College Ave, then walk west.
Please see: Transit Windsor Crosstown 2 Saturday Schedule
You can also use Transit Windsor's Interactive My Transit Ride
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