Russell G. Slayback, 85, Died; Greens Farms Resident

Russell G. Slayback - 85, of Greens Farms, died peacefully in the arms of his daughters and long-time caretaker, Monica, on June 20th.

Russ was born on September 19th, 1936, in New York, New York, to Russell B. Slayback and Doris (Dolly) E. Gardner. He earned a B.S. degree in geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1959. By 1960, Russ began work as a hydrogeologist for Leggette, Brashears & Graham Inc. (LBG), where he later became Vice President and Director before ultimately ascending to President and Chairman of the Board. Russ also worked to expand the scope of geoscience through his volunteerism. He held twenty different positions at the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), including as the national president. In addition, Russ served in several positions at the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), including as the foundation's chairman and the president of the Institute.

While in his role as Chairman at AGI, Russ championed the creation of the endowed AGI Fisher Congressional Fellowship. Russ also sat on the University of Texas at Austin Jackson School Geology Foundation Advisory Council, rising to the chairman. Russ was honored with many awards throughout his career, with some of the most notable being the AIPG Martin Van Covering Award, the AIPG Ben H. Parker Medal, the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI, the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell, and the Russell G. Slayback Award of the AIPG Northeast section.

Russ joins his beloved Judy, the light of his life, who he has missed dearly. He is survived by his daughters, Leigh Reed of Highland, Maryland, and Lynn Sikora of Manassas, Virginia, and his four adored grandchildren, Derek and Kelly Sikora, and Taylor and Dana Reed. He was also blessed with a cherished son-in-law, Rob Reed. Russ is also survived by his dear sister, Ava Burkard.

Russ' family will receive friends at the Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Rd. E., Westport, Saturday, June 25th from 2:30 to 5:00 pm. No flowers, please. Memorial contributions in honor of Russ may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org/onlinegiving