Dr. Tom Slade, former UofM QB, and former EMU FB broadcaster has died at a young age.
The "Dr." came as he was a dentist and I know people to whom he was their dentist.
They tried and tried to find a bone marrow match but failed.
Tom was married and had young children.
Maybe HuronDave or others can supply more details.
unbelievable story.
probably around '95 Ron Cooper was the EMU FB HC. Ran an option offense with QBs who were not option QBs.
Tom was calling the games (I listened to the games - I live 500 miles from Ypsi) and would say 'that is the ugliest option I've ever seen...'
Tom got canned by the AD who apparently didn't like someone telling it like it is.
Ron Cooper moved to L'ville and Rick Rasnick took over. Charlie Batch got a chance to run a pro offense and did very well at Eastern and in the NFL.
Sorry to hear of Tom's death. I had the opportunity to spend some time with him this past summer at a golf outing. He was not able to play but he made the rounds on his cart to say hello. I was impressed with his attitude. Not sure I could ever be as courageous being faced with his prognosis.
chipfan Wrote:Sorry to hear of Tom's death. I had the opportunity to spend some time with him this past summer at a golf outing. He was not able to play but he made the rounds on his cart to say hello. I was impressed with his attitude. Not sure I could ever be as courageous being faced with his prognosis.
Courageous was the right word here. Tom is going to be very much missed. He came in contact with many, many people and his love for EMU was unquestionable. Always had time for anyone.
It's a sad day to be a Huron.
Dr. Slade's Obit from the AA News. Goodbye old friend.
Quote:Slade, Thomas Andrew Ann Arbor, MI Age 54, passed away at his home in Ann Arbor on Sunday afternoon, November 12, 2006, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind his wife, Pam St. John, his sons, Andrew and Spencer Slade and his sister, Valerie Slade. He will also be dearly missed by his stepchildren, Sarah and Steven St. John and Carter and Drake Johnson. Tom was adopted by Russell and Jackie Slade and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, where he attended Redeemer LutheranChurch and School. He became an outstanding student and athlete at Saginaw High School. Tom was the Salutatorian of his senior class in 1970 and was awarded a Regents Scholarship to the University of Michigan. He earned All State honors in football as a quarterback and kicker at Saginaw High. Tom's childhood dreams were fulfilled when the University of Michigan and Bo Schembechler recruited him to play football. He earned three varsity letters as a Michigan quarterback 1971-72-73. Tom's athletic achievements were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame. After his undergraduate education at Michigan, Tom graduated from the U-M School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1978. He was a Clinical Instructor in Operative Dentistry for several years before opening his family dentistry practice in Ypsilanti in 1981. He practiced full time until he was forced to retire due to his illness. Tom was a color analyst for the University of Michigan football broadcasts on WUOM for many years, and was a frequent guest on The Ted Heusel Show on WAAM. Tom was very proud of his affiliation with Eastern Michigan University, where he was the athletic department dentist from 1984 until his retirement in February 2006. He served a three-year term as the president of the EMU Baseball "Dugout Club." Tom Slade was an outstanding basketball official. He officiated numerous state finals for the Michigan High School Athletic Association. He worked both men's and women's basketball in the Mid American and Big Ten Conferences. He made a decision to focus on women's collegiate basketball, and received many top assignments including the NCAA Tournament, before he elected to give up officiating to focus on his family and dental practice. However, he continued to be involved in the officiating as an observer of officials for the Mid-American Conference through 2006. Tom loved to play golf. He was a member of Washtenaw Country Club since 1991, served as President for 1997-98, and spent many happy days there in the company of his friends and his sons. He was active in the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman for 1995-96. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (where Tom was a member), 420 W. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor with Rev. Don Neuendorf and Rev. Michael Wentzel co-officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Michigan Cancer Center. Envelopes are available at Stark Funeral Service Moore Memorial Chapel where the family will greet friends 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. There will also be visitation at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday. Please sign his guest book at http://www.starkfuneral.com.