Bryan Slack

MADISON-Bryan J. Slack passed on peacefully, but unexpectedly, from this world on June 29, 2016, after a long struggle with Type 1 diabetes. Bryan arrived on this earth in Des Moines, IA, on April 4, 1978, where he joined his loving parents, Ken and Sherri, and his older sister and constant childhood playmate, Sarah. The family moved to Sun Prairie, WI, in 1986, where Bryan enjoyed the many pursuits of childhood, including building with his legos and drawing the pictures that bubbled up from his deep imagination. He also built a large circle of lifelong friends. Bryan could often be found biking to Citgo for penny candy, playing “kick the can” or “home run derby,” or dominating some game or another on his Nintendo. Bryan’s favorite color was blue, like his bright eyes, and his favorite animal was a cat. He found, and shared, joy everywhere he went.

Bryan was passionate. He developed a love of the game of baseball, and played throughout his life at many levels: from little league to home talent; to summer night softball leagues. Bryan also loved football, and he was an avid fantasy football and baseball player, as well as a devoted Brewers and Packers fan, attending many games with friends and family. His knowledge and recall of sports statistics was nothing short of impressive. Bryan enjoyed heated discussions, and would often play devil’s advocate just for the fun of it. Bryan loved to read, a joy he inherited from his mother, and he read constantly. He also found pleasure in drawing, and he passed on that joy in the many sketches he left those close to him.

Bryan was a true friend. He was warm and friendly to everyone, and to those with whom he was close, he always had a joke or remark to make you smile. Bryan had an easy going demeanor, a calm charm that put everyone at ease. He could be soft spoken at times, but will also be remembered as a boisterous goofball. His smile was contagious, his dimple was beguiling, and his laughter would fill your heart with joy.

Bryan was a graduate of Sun Prairie High School, and he found his calling as a claims adjuster at American Family. Bryan was intensely proud of his work during his short career, and he was a respected colleague, who supported others whenever he was able.

Bryan will be greatly missed by more people than we can name, but especially by his father, Ken, his long-term partner, Andrea Corson, and his sister, Sarah (John Porco), his extended family, Jim and Cheryl Vogrinc, Lori and Jim Johnson, and Julie and Mike Hughes, as well as his nieces and nephews, Emerson, Lowell, and Carson Porco, Evan and Alex(andra) Johnson, and Elena Hughes. We will remember Bryan intensely watching sports; coaching t-ball and playing softball on warm summer evenings; petting his beloved cats, Lily and Violet; reading voraciously, especially about space; trying new restaurants and foods, surrounded by friends and family; exploring and enjoying Door County with family, where he loved to stargaze; playing joyfully with his nieces and nephews; and golfing with friends in any weather. We will feel Bryan’s presence in the calm, quiet, warmth of the morning sun, and will know the brightness and intensity of his smile in the sunset. We have been blessed to share this world with Bryan’s authentic love and friendship, and we are forever changed by having known the warmth of his true companionship.

A visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, from 2 pm to 4 pm, with a service immediately following. At the conclusion of the service, we invite friends and family to join us for a celebration of Bryan’s life at the East Side Club. Bryan’s cremains will be interred at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org) in Bryan’s memory.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com