Saskatchewan Icon Tony Slugoski Passes

[GARRETT]

Major Anthony J. Slugoski (Ret'd) Anthony Joseph Slugoski (Tony) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan passed away at the age of 90. Tony was born on June 17, 1921 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to Gregory and Katherine Slugoski and passed away on October 17, 2011 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Tony lived a full and busy life. A pilot first and foremost, he was also a tireless volunteer and leader in his community a man with an incredible sense of humor and charming wit. Left to cherish Tony's memory are his loving partner Carol Belloc, son Ian Slugoski and his children, Darren (Laura) and Darcie, daughter Alison (Gordon) Lamont and their children Arran, Ceilidh, and Joel, daughter Edie Slugoski, and daughter-in-law Laurianne Leberge. Tony was predeceased by his parents Gregory and Katherine Slugoski, all his siblings and their spouses Frank (Sophie) Brown, Anne (Jack) Sayers, Mike (Elsie) Slugoski, Joseph Slugoski, Laudie Slugoski, and Francis Slugoski, wife Vivien Slugoski, and infant daughter Leighton. Tony loved flying. As a young boy, he dreamt of becoming of pilot and he pursued that dream. He spent his entire adult life flying. He enlisted in the RCAF earning his wings at age 21. During WW II he flew Wellington Bombers for costal command. Tony spent the war performing low-level maneuvers over the Atlantic searching for enemy submarines. After demobilization, Tony reenlisted in the RCAF and then CAF. Tony instructed pilots on Harvard and T33s and flew the all weather CF100 Twin jet flight. He served 32 years in total. After Tony retired from the service, he enjoyed many years with the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program as CO., CADO, and CFI with the glider schools in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Penhold, Alberta, and Rivers, Manitoba. He later accepted the appointments of Provincial Glider Operations Operator for three years and DFTE for Transport Canada. Tony led the flying school in the Assiniboia area, as well as operated as CFI for several flying schools in Saskatoon: Ray's Flying Service, Pultz Aviation, and Nimbus Aerobatics. As an instructor, he was enthusiastic, encouraging, and inspiring, but his heart, humor and generosity of spirit were most evident during his years with Saskatoon Flying Service, where coffee breaks were ingrained into the culture and highly anticipated-a ritual for sharing great stories that continued long after the flying stopped. He always spoke fondly of staff and students. When Tony reluctantly hung up his wings for good, he had spent thousands of hours in the air and conducted over 1100 flight tests. In 2000, Tony was named an Educator of Distinction by the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation and was most proud of being inducted into the Saskatchewan Aviation Hall of Fame. The A celebration of Tony's life will be held on Monday, October 24th at 1:30 p.m. at Acadia McKague's Funeral Centre, 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 406 Squadron Chaplin Colin Clay will preside. Interment of cremation will take place the following day, Tuesday, October 25th at 10:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial section, Woodlawn Cemetery, 1502 2nd Ave. North, Saskatoon.

[Captain X]

Tony was such an awesome guy. He did my commercial flight test back in 2003. He'll be missed in the aviation community, he gave a lot of his time to others. RIP

[The Old Fogducker]

Wow .... For the last year, during my travels I've been meaning to drop in and see Tony and say hello. I wish I'd made the trip when I'd heard his health was failing.

Quite an excellent guy who did a great deal for aviation.

Good-bye Tony. When your soul went skyward, it punched through the cloud tops, and burst into bright sunshine in a max rate climb.

The Old Fogducker

[pushyboss]

Tony did both my private and commercial flight tests in the late 70's. Was a great guy and taught me more durning my flight tests than 5 hours with an instructor.

RIP Mr. Slugoski.

[flyinthebug]

Mr. Slugoski helped me (and our company) out on more then a few occasions. He always made himself available to lend a helping hand. I was fortunate enough to fly with him once, and even at 82 yrs old, he had amazing hands and feet. I learned alot about the "business" of flying from him as well. His many years of experience will be missed.

I believe Mr. Slugoski carried the distinction of being the oldest DFTE in Canada.

RIP Tony, I will never forget your kindness Sir.

JS- NAC 00-04
PA Sask.

[just curious]

Did my gliding instructor ride in 77. One of those really relaxed comfortable guys in the air. I spent a lot of my check pilot time trying to emulate him.

[Sulako]

Tony taught me my instructor's rating. He was nice to me, he made the process easy and I learned a lot from him.

Godspeed Tony, you were pretty great.

[Old Dog Flying]

I first met Tony while I was based at YMJ..about 1971 ..during the big airshow. He was always friendly and willing to help if needed. I can remember spotting his piper PA-28-180 ( withspray rig attached) while I was flying Harry W's Fleet Fawn and bouncing him...near Assiniboia.

May the winds always be at your back old friend
Barney