William P. Slavish, 65

On March 17, 2020, after a fearless battle with cancer, William P. Slavish, 65, peacefully departed the place he called “the closest thing to heaven,” Montana, for heaven itself.

Born December 29, 1954 in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, Bill grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. He joined the U.S. Navy fresh out of high school and was stationed on the U.S.S Kitty Hawk. After his service, he moved to Kalispell and in 1979, married Joanna Griffin and opened in his own barber shop, Father and Sons. Much of his work was paid for by a bartering system with his customers, for which he was very proud. He cut the hair of many loyal customers for many years, but sadly, after a serious injury, “Barber Bill” couldn’t return to the work he loved.

Over the years, Bill travelled back to Delaware a few times but soon had to return to Montana, the place he loved, and to his children and grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Slavish, brothers Joseph, Stephen and Gerard Slavish and sister, Jane Kucharski. He is survived by his children Jordan Slavish (Emily), April Slavish (Cameron) and Elliot Slavish (Molly); grandchildren, Penelope, James and Elodie Slavish and Greyson Page; brothers John Slavish (Pat), Robert Slavish (Sue) and sister Mary Anne Beaman (Jim).

The family is grateful to the staff at Lake View Health Center and Frontier Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Services for Bill will be private.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell.