Robert William Slezak was no ordinary man, so his obituary cannot be your typical death notice. He was a superhero and all-round awesome human being. He was a wonderful dad, a fun-loving friend, and a great companion to his partners. A celebration of Robert's life will be held in the spring.
During the last decade of his life, Robert was the volunteer store manager for Thrift Smart where he raised more than $250,000 for the nonprofit he cherished, Silver Horizons New Mexico. His efforts helped fund services that improved the lives of thousands of senior citizens living in Central New Mexico.
Making something special out of something ordinary was Robert's talent. Thrift Smart was the grand finale in a life filled with happiness and success, despite some exceptionally dark moments. For most of his 73-year life, Robert's "can-do" attitude helped him "make things happen". Robert did not allow obstacles, adversities, or "the hands he was dealt" prevent him from having an exceptional life. The path was not easy, but Robert "made it work".
Born in Cedar Rapids on December 20, 1951, Robert's early years were spent on a farm near the town of Swisher, Iowa. He was a curious lad with "billion-dollar ideas" that either solved problems or created them depending on whom you asked. More often than not, Robert found himself in trouble because of his fearless need to discover and explore. Examples of how "curiosity nearly killed the cat" include inadvertently setting fire to his parents' oat field, accidentally projecting himself 50 feet into the air onto a hay loft, or tying his brother to the back of cow only for the cow to bolt from the milking machine and into a pile of corn cobs.
Robert was the oldest of seven siblings. He left home on the day he graduated high school. He spent a few years as a hippie during the "Age of Aquarius", worked at Spartan Department Store, and eventually found his niche in sales. Robert went from selling supplies to a few barbershops, to becoming a "sales superstar" managing 12 sales consultants over a multi-state region. He then co-owned a health and beauty distribution company. Robert's status was legendary throughout the Midwest. Companies like Sebastian and Paul Mitchell rewarded his record-breaking sales with trips to exciting locations including Spain, Jordan, and Hawaii.
Robert and Susan Hinz had three daughters (Sarah Slezak, Hannah Turner and Katey Slezak). Robert ultimately made peace with his true self and divorced his wife of 12 years. He then enjoyed two long-term relationships with Greg Pittam and Ron Hidalgo, and then found "the love of his life" in Bert de Wet.
In December 2022, Robert was hospitalized and ultimately diagnosed with duodenal cancer. Robert began his first round of chemo on April 19, 2023. This date is significant because Robert's Mom (Esther Alma Carmen) passed away on April 19, 1988 when breast cancer took her life too soon. About 13 months later, Robert would undergo a radical and invasive surgery that would remove the mass, all of his pancreas and spleen, along with the duodenal part of his intestines, and portions of his stomach and liver. A month spent in a Scottsdale hospital extended Robert's life, but not without complications.
Robert and Bert married on December 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sadly, a new cancer returned in December 2024. Robert and Bert deserved more time together. Robert deserved more time. This loving husband and father, loyal friend, and dedicated community servant died on January 3, 2025.
So many people, grateful to have known Robert, feel a tremendous loss. He made friends wherever he went, made everything better with his creativity and hard work, and always had a smile on his handsome face, even during difficult times when most people would say there's nothing to smile about. Robert was always upbeat, gracious, and still worked his charm even as cancer stole his life.
The five adjectives that come to mind when family, friends and associates think of Robert: Energetic, Kind, Generous, Courageous and Funny. Robert's favorite sayings: "80% of what we worry about never happens and we handle the other 20%." "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime." "You never know the finality at the beginning." "Life is lived forwards and understood backwards."
Robert William Slezak made a difference in the world and he positively affected so many people. Although Robert will be missed, his close friends and family take solace in knowing they are better for having known him.