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Linda Louise Slick
12/30/1947 — 06/24/2007
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Cascade, Idaho
Linda Louise Slick
Linda L. Slick died at home in Kennewick on Sunday June 24th 2007. Linda was born in Cascade, Idaho in 1947. Her childhood years were spent in Seattle, Poulsbo and Chehalis. She graduated from Chehalis High School. She attended Centralia Community College and graduated from Central Washington State College earning a Bachelors Degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Union Gap and then moved to Kennewick and began teaching at Kamiakin in 1974. Linda taught history throughout her years at Kamiakin and she is remembered by many as, the teacher I hoped to never have, but the teacher I learned I could never do without. Linda retired from teaching in 2001. The same high standards Linda set for her students, she modeled throughout her life. Linda fought a courageous 16 year battle with cancer and spent many of her retirement hours in volunteer service to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Linda was comforted in her last days by the many written sentiments of appreciation from former students, parents, friends and colleagues.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Claude Slick, her mother, Zelma Slick Perdew, and her step-father, Cliff Perdew. Lindas legacy lives on through the lives of the 6,600 plus students whom she taught, and her close friends.
A funeral service will be held for Linda at Einans Funeral Home, in Richland, on Saturday June 30, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation.
Ms. Slick, you made such an impact on my family! Having taught both of my parents, singing at their wedding, then teaching me and embarrassing the crap out of me on day 1 by stating you “hadn’t seen me since I was pooping pink bricks in my diaper.” Although you were absolutely the hardest teacher I have ever had, you are also the only teacher I can still vividly remember facts, things from class, and just an overall sense of learning. I was in shock when I heard of your passing. You are sorely missed especially now that I have kids in Kamiakin.
Thanks for your inspiration to be the best that I can be!
Braves! Class of 76
Slick ~ You were an amazing woman! You touched my life and those of thousands of others. The world needs more teacher’s like you. You will be missed and always remembered.
Tina Moran
Kamiakin Class of 1986
A true teacher from the heart. She will always be remembered as one of a kind.
Victoria Davis Johnson
Kamiakin Class of 1986
Ms Slick…..You were a very strong and in your ways a powerful person an inspiration to many and you will live on in all of us you touched. I remember you called me kiddo and you always said something that either made me think or just made me smile. You will be missed greatly and may you Rest In Peace.
Crystal Darvell
I did not have the opportunity to know Ms. Slick personally, but one of my very close fellow teacher friends, Sarah Allen is one of her former students. After reading Ms. Slick’s online obituary, I couldn’t help but cry. Although I did not know Linda Slick, I know that she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched in her successful teaching career. Even though Linda is no longer earthbound, she will always be with us.
May God take this special woman in his arms, and comfort her. Her duties on earth are complete, and she is now in the hands of the Lord.
Thank You Linda, “Mrs Slick”, for all you have instilled in me. You will be missed by many people. God Bless!
Chris Sittman
To the family of Linda, I am so sorry to here about her long battle with Cancer. She surely was a trooper. I hope that now she is in a much better place. She touched a lot of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Donna Gerlach Turner
Nobody was better than Slick at inspiring her students – now, whether she inspired admiration, respect or fear or a combination of all three depended on the student and whether or not they’d finished the assignment!
But nobody who had her class left unchanged, and I doubt anyone who met her will ever forget her. She will be missed, even by those of us who hadn’t seen her in years.
Mary Anne Wuennecke, class of ’87
Words are hard to come by in describing the relationship that I had w/ this amazing woman. She was a leader, a mentor, and a true inspiration. It was only while in college that I realized the impact of what she really taught me, self confidence and discipline that has taken me into this world. I truely appreciate her for the time she spent w/ this young girl struggling in high school. She will be missed.
Linda Slick was a teacher, a mentor and a friend to many of us who had the opportunity to be taught by her.
She is a wonderful woman who taught us many lessons that were not learned until we reached an age where we could appreciate them.
I will remember her for her wonderful influences in my life. She will be greatly missed.
Linda-
Few other professors in college or med school had such a positive impact in my life. You were a wonderful, inspiring, and dedicated teacher who truly cared. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to teach me not only about history but life as well.
Julie Raekes
Class of 1986
Slick:
We will miss you forever. Now since you can’t kick my butt I will admit to you that I had about 5 people copying my homework assignments everytime they were assigned. Your courage and unique style of teaching, along with your caring heart, will never be forgotten. I hope you read my letter I wrote to the Tri-City Herald about you. I know you would get ticked off at me if I was too mushy and saddened by your loss, so I will just say “I love ya, and go Seahawks!” Never again will there be a teacher as courageous and as inspiring as you! See you when I get there!
Sean Ball
Kamiakin, Class of 1999
Slick was an amazing woman, she taught history but more than that she taught each of us life lessons. No one wanted her as a teacher, but once we were there we would have not had it any other way. I thank you for all you did for me!!!
I will never forget the life lessons you taught me –
Robyn Plunkett McIntyre
It is so nice to read all the other things that people have said and I have to agree with all of them! I remember when I first found out I was having Slick I was like, OH NO!! The next quarter I had my mom transfer me out of someone else’s class and into hers! She was a very great teacher and only expected the best from her students. The funniest thing that I remember was when someone gave her a really crazy answer in class and she was standing up front. She put the chalk in her mouth and acted like she was smoking it! She was so great and will be so missed!
It is heart warming and, at the same time, sad to read the wonderful sentiments of Ms. Slick’s former students. When you walked into her classroom you were bound to change for the better. To students yet to have her, she was infamous. To students lucky enough to have been taught by her, she is legendary. I am one of the lucky ones. Thank you, thank you Ms. Slick. I will NEVER forget you!
Love Always,
Erinn Skaggs Larsen ’98
LindaSlickers Oh sweet friend and mentor you will be greatly missed. You were a joy and a pain. The late night annual staff, the hard lessons learned, the early morning breakfasts, and the late nights at chapter 11. You touched so many peoples lives you will never truley be gone. I know I am a better Person for having you in my life and Bob feels the very same way. Good- bye dear friend you will be sorely missed. Lori and Bob Class of 81
Slick was for sure one of a kind.She along with her co-workers in the history department taught us all how to be individuals during my years while attending Kamiakin.Who could ever for her lectures in the lecture hall back in the early days of Kamiakin.
I also had the chance to come back to Kamiakin to work as a custodian and being assigned the building her room was in.I would sometimes sit down and listen to her talk about the early days of Kamiakin as well as her thoughts on the future for the students when they got out on their own.
Slick was one not to hold back on her opinions,she was open and very honest about her thoughts.
Slick a very serious about her job as teacher and was proud of it.The world of education lost a great teacher and friend.
Slick’s spirit will live on.
We all look forward to seeing you again when we enter the Pearly Gates.
Thank you for all that you did for the students at Kamiakin High. I know my 4 small years there were influenced by you. You will be missed.
Slick, What is there to say except that you have left the 6600 students, including myself, that you called your family much better people than we would ever have been without you. You taught us to be tough and strong, but also to have heart. I have so many memories of you and they will stay with me forever! Thank you for being the stubborn, yet loving teacher that you were. Don’t worry…I’ll stop “cuddling” now and look forward to seeing you again!
Jessica Hoyt ’95
I am saddened to hear of Ms. Slick’s passing. I had only recently heard that she didn’t have much longer to live.
Slick was, without a doubt, the best teacher I had at Kamiakin. I *learned* in her classes I STILL remember things I studied in her classes, and now that I’m older, I look back at the time spent in her classroom with a great deal of respect and gratitude for her years of service in public education.
Slick was honest and tough and didn’t believe in simply spitting out facts and expecting students to memorize dates for some standardized exam. And she made me a better life-long learner as a result.
My condolences to Slick’s friends and family. I’m glad she’s not suffering any more. The memorials posted here serve as example that one person can make a difference, one person at a time.
Class of 1987
I want to express my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Ms. Slick. I, like many studets of hers, was so scared to have her as a teacher. But she had a wonderful way of teaching that is surpassed by any that I remember. She was creative in her teaching and greatly respected. A beautiful person and will be greatly missed…Trigg L. Bell class of 93
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend Slick’s memorial. By the memorials here, I can imagine how powerful it must have been! Wow, what an amazing human being that has touched so many lives in such a positive way! I was quite shy in high school and scared to death to be in Slick’s class, but once I got in there I realized her bark was worse than her bite and her manner of teaching was to bring out the best in each individual. She truly cared and had passion for what she did. The world was blessed to have Slick in it and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Kathy Kamiakin Class of 1979
Even though we are far away from Kennewick, it is truly amazing when someone so close to all of us is stricken with this disease. Here in California, I’ve been getting phone calls, emails, and letters from the friends and families of the class of 86, saying how much Linda has meant on the development of the lives.
Bitch, stubborn, disciplined, maybe, but definitely a hard-ass!
For those of you who have never experienced military boot camp, she is the closest thing to being a drill-sergeant I have ever come across in elementary, middle, high school, or college! Of course, in a great way. Without that hard-ass, no-nonsense attitude, I personally know she brought out the best in me and is one that made me who I am today. Yes, the Army shaped those attitudes, but she was the one who built off the foundations my parents instilled in me from birth.
Dawn, the boys, and I are sending flowers and a card. Please include my family and I in your dealings with her family and friends during this occasion and let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Matt Boehnke
MAJ, US Army
I have only known Linda for 3 years. I live right next door to her. She has given me inspiration of going back to school and I did. I let her know that I went back for the spring quarter of this year. Linda died before I could let her know of my grades. I was upset and hurt that she didn’t live for just one more day. That was all I needed. She loved History and so did I. We talked as much as we could and I realized that we were alike in many ways. Linda would give my girls Hannah and Alison suckers all the time. I would like to tell Linda to give Trinity and Jake my children, suckers up there in Heaven.And to take care of them. Also to take care of Joey Beaver in Heaven also, give him suckers also!! I Love you Linda and I wish I had more time with you!!! Loree Deckard
Wow – where to start with Slick. First day of class – “Listen up,” she said. “You may have heard a bit about me – like the fact that my middle name rhymes with Witch, starts with B, and well you can figure it out I think.” You just knew it was not going to be your everyday class after that intro.
She was demanding – like others have noted – and if you met her expectations it paid off. But, there was never any easy ride – and the grade you got was the grade you earned. If you didn’t come to class prepared and had some lame excuse, well, let’s just say it got to be pretty painful to watch. She also made sure that those who had the answers couldn’t help out those who didn’t – I saw a few names in here that like myself got told to “shut it” when we tried to cover for someone.
Her study packet on the Vietnam era was a godsend when I was in a history course on Vietnam. It was like cliff notes in so many ways – but I had done the work and made the grade.
There is and was only one SLICK – she was a remarkable person. She was tenacious with details. Remember TRIVA PURSUIT with her? If you even came close to beating her, it was an accomplishment. It took, usually, a team of us to even get that close.
She was the student’s advocate and was there when students needed help, advice, a shoulder to cry on, a place to share a laugh, or someone to just listen to you rant. 6,600 students learned that about her. We were some of the very, very lucky ones to have been in her classes.
Good bye friend – thank you for so very much.
Ms Slick had my daughter, Brianne, in 2000. She was scared to death to get her because of the rumours about her. She did however LOVE her and was glad she got the chance to have her as a teacher. She was a wonderful teacher and an exraordinary person and i am thankful that she got to have her as a teacher as she retired when Brianne graduated. Graduation was bittersweet as they said goodbye to the class of 2000 and goodbye to a wonderful teacher.I dont remember exactly what was said about “the slick one” at graduation but i think it was more of a service for her than that of a graduation ceremony for those graduating. We truly need more educators that can truly teach the way she did and have so much love for all the students that she touched. You will be missed and remembered. Kamiakin has lost one of its finest.. Rest in Peace Slick One..
I knew Ms. Slick before a lot of her students did because she lived in the neighborhood I grew up in. I heard the stories like everyone did. I was lucky enough to have her as a teacher and the first day of the semester, I walked up to her and told her that she used to scare me when I was a little kid. Her response was, “Good.” She had a nickname for everyone and mine was “Sally” because my last name was Struthers. I saw first hand why there were so many horror stories about her. It wasn’t because she was “mean” like they said. She forced you to learn. She made you discuss in class and didn’t take any crap from the students. If that made her a hard ass, who cares. It was her job as a teacher to make kids learn and pay attention. I just hope that when my kids are in school they are lucky enough to have a teacher just like Ms. Slick.
I just heard yesterday that we lost a great teacher and person. I had Ms. Slick for my annual class and I also remember fearing her and by the time it was over I loved being in her class.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and of course her many friends.
It is great to read all of these nice things about her. She truly was an amazing person. She will be missed and always remembered.
Annette Class of 1976
While I am not one to feel much nostalgia about high school or my years spent in the Tri-Cities, I can honestly say that I have never had the honor of being taught by a more passionate instructor than Ms. Slick. She made my time at Kamiakin challenging, fun and bearable.
She demanded the very best from every student in her classes, keeping sight of the bigger picture that we all face when leaving the comfort of high school. Her high standards have helped to shape the person I am today, and when I think of how important I feel it is to be challenged in my personal and professional lives, I know I have one person to thank.
Ms. Slick, you have my sincere gratitude for letting me be a small part of your amazing life. God bless you.
I have great memories of Ms. Slick…mostly because I DIDN’T have her as a teacher, but knew her through her music, while I attended Kamiakin 1972-1976. She was always a fun, energetic and “out-of-the-box” person. I admired her quite a bit and kind of wish that I HAD experienced her in the classroom…she will certainly be missed.
Ms. Slick was the most memorable teacher of my high school years. I was not an easy kid to keep in line back then, and she didn’t cut me any slack. I always respected that and have modeled my own teaching methods on hers – tough, but caring. Besides that, despite nearly failing her U.S. History class, I ended up graduating Summa Cum Laude from Gonzaga with a history degree and a teaching certificate! I credit her for not letting me slide, meanwhile respecting me as a person. She was incredibly cool. Lynne Rogers Olmos, Class of 83
I received an email a week or so back explaining Slick’s fight with cancer. I could not believe after speaking with her just before she passed that she was sick. “Hey Kiddo!” she said when I identified myself on the phone, “bet you got an email?” Her energy and spirited personality shined through even during this painful time in her life.
She was an amazing teacher and friend to many, one that will not easily be forgotten! Memories of Slick will be replayed with family/friends/kids and grandkids for many lifetimes to come!
We lost a good person here on Earth, but God has gained a treasure in Heaven!
May God Bless you Slick. We will miss you terribly!
Trisha – Class of ’89
Thanks for your inspiration to be the best that I can be!
Braves! Class of 76
Slick ~ You were an amazing woman! You touched my life and those of thousands of others. The world needs more teacher’s like you. You will be missed and always remembered.
Tina Moran
Kamiakin Class of 1986
A true teacher from the heart. She will always be remembered as one of a kind.
Victoria Davis Johnson
Kamiakin Class of 1986
Ms Slick…..You were a very strong and in your ways a powerful person an inspiration to many and you will live on in all of us you touched. I remember you called me kiddo and you always said something that either made me think or just made me smile. You will be missed greatly and may you Rest In Peace.
Crystal Darvell
I did not have the opportunity to know Ms. Slick personally, but one of my very close fellow teacher friends, Sarah Allen is one of her former students. After reading Ms. Slick’s online obituary, I couldn’t help but cry. Although I did not know Linda Slick, I know that she will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched in her successful teaching career. Even though Linda is no longer earthbound, she will always be with us.
May God take this special woman in his arms, and comfort her. Her duties on earth are complete, and she is now in the hands of the Lord.
Thank You Linda, “Mrs Slick”, for all you have instilled in me. You will be missed by many people. God Bless!
Chris Sittman
To the family of Linda, I am so sorry to here about her long battle with Cancer. She surely was a trooper. I hope that now she is in a much better place. She touched a lot of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Donna Gerlach Turner
Nobody was better than Slick at inspiring her students – now, whether she inspired admiration, respect or fear or a combination of all three depended on the student and whether or not they’d finished the assignment!
But nobody who had her class left unchanged, and I doubt anyone who met her will ever forget her. She will be missed, even by those of us who hadn’t seen her in years.
Mary Anne Wuennecke, class of ’87
Words are hard to come by in describing the relationship that I had w/ this amazing woman. She was a leader, a mentor, and a true inspiration. It was only while in college that I realized the impact of what she really taught me, self confidence and discipline that has taken me into this world. I truely appreciate her for the time she spent w/ this young girl struggling in high school. She will be missed.
Linda Slick was a teacher, a mentor and a friend to many of us who had the opportunity to be taught by her.
She is a wonderful woman who taught us many lessons that were not learned until we reached an age where we could appreciate them.
I will remember her for her wonderful influences in my life. She will be greatly missed.
Linda-
Few other professors in college or med school had such a positive impact in my life. You were a wonderful, inspiring, and dedicated teacher who truly cared. Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to teach me not only about history but life as well.
Julie Raekes
Class of 1986
Slick:
We will miss you forever. Now since you can’t kick my butt I will admit to you that I had about 5 people copying my homework assignments everytime they were assigned. Your courage and unique style of teaching, along with your caring heart, will never be forgotten. I hope you read my letter I wrote to the Tri-City Herald about you. I know you would get ticked off at me if I was too mushy and saddened by your loss, so I will just say “I love ya, and go Seahawks!” Never again will there be a teacher as courageous and as inspiring as you! See you when I get there!
Sean Ball
Kamiakin, Class of 1999
Slick was an amazing woman, she taught history but more than that she taught each of us life lessons. No one wanted her as a teacher, but once we were there we would have not had it any other way. I thank you for all you did for me!!!
I will never forget the life lessons you taught me –
Robyn Plunkett McIntyre
It is so nice to read all the other things that people have said and I have to agree with all of them! I remember when I first found out I was having Slick I was like, OH NO!! The next quarter I had my mom transfer me out of someone else’s class and into hers! She was a very great teacher and only expected the best from her students. The funniest thing that I remember was when someone gave her a really crazy answer in class and she was standing up front. She put the chalk in her mouth and acted like she was smoking it! She was so great and will be so missed!
It is heart warming and, at the same time, sad to read the wonderful sentiments of Ms. Slick’s former students. When you walked into her classroom you were bound to change for the better. To students yet to have her, she was infamous. To students lucky enough to have been taught by her, she is legendary. I am one of the lucky ones. Thank you, thank you Ms. Slick. I will NEVER forget you!
Love Always,
Erinn Skaggs Larsen ’98
LindaSlickers Oh sweet friend and mentor you will be greatly missed. You were a joy and a pain. The late night annual staff, the hard lessons learned, the early morning breakfasts, and the late nights at chapter 11. You touched so many peoples lives you will never truley be gone. I know I am a better Person for having you in my life and Bob feels the very same way. Good- bye dear friend you will be sorely missed. Lori and Bob Class of 81
Slick was for sure one of a kind.She along with her co-workers in the history department taught us all how to be individuals during my years while attending Kamiakin.Who could ever for her lectures in the lecture hall back in the early days of Kamiakin.
I also had the chance to come back to Kamiakin to work as a custodian and being assigned the building her room was in.I would sometimes sit down and listen to her talk about the early days of Kamiakin as well as her thoughts on the future for the students when they got out on their own.
Slick was one not to hold back on her opinions,she was open and very honest about her thoughts.
Slick a very serious about her job as teacher and was proud of it.The world of education lost a great teacher and friend.
Slick’s spirit will live on.
We all look forward to seeing you again when we enter the Pearly Gates.
Thank you for all that you did for the students at Kamiakin High. I know my 4 small years there were influenced by you. You will be missed.
Slick, What is there to say except that you have left the 6600 students, including myself, that you called your family much better people than we would ever have been without you. You taught us to be tough and strong, but also to have heart. I have so many memories of you and they will stay with me forever! Thank you for being the stubborn, yet loving teacher that you were. Don’t worry…I’ll stop “cuddling” now and look forward to seeing you again!
Jessica Hoyt ’95
I am saddened to hear of Ms. Slick’s passing. I had only recently heard that she didn’t have much longer to live.
Slick was, without a doubt, the best teacher I had at Kamiakin. I *learned* in her classes I STILL remember things I studied in her classes, and now that I’m older, I look back at the time spent in her classroom with a great deal of respect and gratitude for her years of service in public education.
Slick was honest and tough and didn’t believe in simply spitting out facts and expecting students to memorize dates for some standardized exam. And she made me a better life-long learner as a result.
My condolences to Slick’s friends and family. I’m glad she’s not suffering any more. The memorials posted here serve as example that one person can make a difference, one person at a time.
Class of 1987
I want to express my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Ms. Slick. I, like many studets of hers, was so scared to have her as a teacher. But she had a wonderful way of teaching that is surpassed by any that I remember. She was creative in her teaching and greatly respected. A beautiful person and will be greatly missed…Trigg L. Bell class of 93
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend Slick’s memorial. By the memorials here, I can imagine how powerful it must have been! Wow, what an amazing human being that has touched so many lives in such a positive way! I was quite shy in high school and scared to death to be in Slick’s class, but once I got in there I realized her bark was worse than her bite and her manner of teaching was to bring out the best in each individual. She truly cared and had passion for what she did. The world was blessed to have Slick in it and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Kathy Kamiakin Class of 1979
Even though we are far away from Kennewick, it is truly amazing when someone so close to all of us is stricken with this disease. Here in California, I’ve been getting phone calls, emails, and letters from the friends and families of the class of 86, saying how much Linda has meant on the development of the lives.
Bitch, stubborn, disciplined, maybe, but definitely a hard-ass!
For those of you who have never experienced military boot camp, she is the closest thing to being a drill-sergeant I have ever come across in elementary, middle, high school, or college! Of course, in a great way. Without that hard-ass, no-nonsense attitude, I personally know she brought out the best in me and is one that made me who I am today. Yes, the Army shaped those attitudes, but she was the one who built off the foundations my parents instilled in me from birth.
Dawn, the boys, and I are sending flowers and a card. Please include my family and I in your dealings with her family and friends during this occasion and let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Matt Boehnke
MAJ, US Army
I have only known Linda for 3 years. I live right next door to her. She has given me inspiration of going back to school and I did. I let her know that I went back for the spring quarter of this year. Linda died before I could let her know of my grades. I was upset and hurt that she didn’t live for just one more day. That was all I needed. She loved History and so did I. We talked as much as we could and I realized that we were alike in many ways. Linda would give my girls Hannah and Alison suckers all the time. I would like to tell Linda to give Trinity and Jake my children, suckers up there in Heaven.And to take care of them. Also to take care of Joey Beaver in Heaven also, give him suckers also!! I Love you Linda and I wish I had more time with you!!! Loree Deckard
Wow – where to start with Slick. First day of class – “Listen up,” she said. “You may have heard a bit about me – like the fact that my middle name rhymes with Witch, starts with B, and well you can figure it out I think.” You just knew it was not going to be your everyday class after that intro.
She was demanding – like others have noted – and if you met her expectations it paid off. But, there was never any easy ride – and the grade you got was the grade you earned. If you didn’t come to class prepared and had some lame excuse, well, let’s just say it got to be pretty painful to watch. She also made sure that those who had the answers couldn’t help out those who didn’t – I saw a few names in here that like myself got told to “shut it” when we tried to cover for someone.
Her study packet on the Vietnam era was a godsend when I was in a history course on Vietnam. It was like cliff notes in so many ways – but I had done the work and made the grade.
There is and was only one SLICK – she was a remarkable person. She was tenacious with details. Remember TRIVA PURSUIT with her? If you even came close to beating her, it was an accomplishment. It took, usually, a team of us to even get that close.
She was the student’s advocate and was there when students needed help, advice, a shoulder to cry on, a place to share a laugh, or someone to just listen to you rant. 6,600 students learned that about her. We were some of the very, very lucky ones to have been in her classes.
Good bye friend – thank you for so very much.
Ms Slick had my daughter, Brianne, in 2000. She was scared to death to get her because of the rumours about her. She did however LOVE her and was glad she got the chance to have her as a teacher. She was a wonderful teacher and an exraordinary person and i am thankful that she got to have her as a teacher as she retired when Brianne graduated. Graduation was bittersweet as they said goodbye to the class of 2000 and goodbye to a wonderful teacher.I dont remember exactly what was said about “the slick one” at graduation but i think it was more of a service for her than that of a graduation ceremony for those graduating. We truly need more educators that can truly teach the way she did and have so much love for all the students that she touched. You will be missed and remembered. Kamiakin has lost one of its finest.. Rest in Peace Slick One..
I knew Ms. Slick before a lot of her students did because she lived in the neighborhood I grew up in. I heard the stories like everyone did. I was lucky enough to have her as a teacher and the first day of the semester, I walked up to her and told her that she used to scare me when I was a little kid. Her response was, “Good.” She had a nickname for everyone and mine was “Sally” because my last name was Struthers. I saw first hand why there were so many horror stories about her. It wasn’t because she was “mean” like they said. She forced you to learn. She made you discuss in class and didn’t take any crap from the students. If that made her a hard ass, who cares. It was her job as a teacher to make kids learn and pay attention. I just hope that when my kids are in school they are lucky enough to have a teacher just like Ms. Slick.
I just heard yesterday that we lost a great teacher and person. I had Ms. Slick for my annual class and I also remember fearing her and by the time it was over I loved being in her class.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and of course her many friends.
It is great to read all of these nice things about her. She truly was an amazing person. She will be missed and always remembered.
Annette Class of 1976
While I am not one to feel much nostalgia about high school or my years spent in the Tri-Cities, I can honestly say that I have never had the honor of being taught by a more passionate instructor than Ms. Slick. She made my time at Kamiakin challenging, fun and bearable.
She demanded the very best from every student in her classes, keeping sight of the bigger picture that we all face when leaving the comfort of high school. Her high standards have helped to shape the person I am today, and when I think of how important I feel it is to be challenged in my personal and professional lives, I know I have one person to thank.
Ms. Slick, you have my sincere gratitude for letting me be a small part of your amazing life. God bless you.
I have great memories of Ms. Slick…mostly because I DIDN’T have her as a teacher, but knew her through her music, while I attended Kamiakin 1972-1976. She was always a fun, energetic and “out-of-the-box” person. I admired her quite a bit and kind of wish that I HAD experienced her in the classroom…she will certainly be missed.
Ms. Slick was the most memorable teacher of my high school years. I was not an easy kid to keep in line back then, and she didn’t cut me any slack. I always respected that and have modeled my own teaching methods on hers – tough, but caring. Besides that, despite nearly failing her U.S. History class, I ended up graduating Summa Cum Laude from Gonzaga with a history degree and a teaching certificate! I credit her for not letting me slide, meanwhile respecting me as a person. She was incredibly cool. Lynne Rogers Olmos, Class of 83
I received an email a week or so back explaining Slick’s fight with cancer. I could not believe after speaking with her just before she passed that she was sick. “Hey Kiddo!” she said when I identified myself on the phone, “bet you got an email?” Her energy and spirited personality shined through even during this painful time in her life.
She was an amazing teacher and friend to many, one that will not easily be forgotten! Memories of Slick will be replayed with family/friends/kids and grandkids for many lifetimes to come!
We lost a good person here on Earth, but God has gained a treasure in Heaven!
May God Bless you Slick. We will miss you terribly!
Trisha – Class of ’89
I will never forget mrs slick, she would be your best friend if you did your school work and your worst teacher if you didnt do it and had a lame reason why.
kamiakin High School has lost a very good lady.
I miss seeing Slick on a regular basis at the Cancer Center. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and way about her. I remember one time we were chatting and I said that the roads were slick outside and she said “Don’t use my name in vain.”
Slick was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. She inspired her students to push their own limits to learning. She will be missed by many.
It is a sad day when the world realizes that we must live without such an extraordinary person. My only hope is that I can touch the lives of others in the way that you touched mine. You will be missed.
Ms. Slick or Linda Louise as many of us called her during yearbook nights was the toughest and one of the best teachers I ever had. Her history class assignments sent her students to the public library on a weekly basis to find the answers. I used my notes from her classes during my college history courses.
She cared about her students soooo much!! She has been one of my key role models during my past years of teaching. She inspires me to be the best teacher I can be!!
Kristen Brown
Class of 85
To the many friends and family of Linda, my deepest condolences. I was a student of Linda’s @ Union Gap, and my fondest memories include Linda. She truly was one of kind. Rest in peace, Slick
Gone are the days when a teacher could really teach. When they had the nerve to stand against the norm and demand that we learn.
Slick: Myth or Fact was immortalized on bumper stickers. But Slick herself is in our memories. What memories they are.
Roll call, threats of damage by the fingernail, seagulls & mormonism, chinese yoyo, etc.
If all teachers cared and taught like Slick we would need no WASL.
Her leaving causes a void that will be hard to overcome.
Thank You for your best!!
High school was a time I’d rather forget : I was a shy student. The ONLY thing I clearly remember and loved was being in Ms. Slicks class. YES..I was terrified of her..but I also knew she was the best teacher I would ever have. She cared and that showed. If the world was full of teacher’s like “Slick” it would be a far better place.
Ms. Slick, or “Slick” as I referred to her, will be dearly missed. She significantly impacted countless students through her unique, but effective teaching style. She helped us understand that learning was a self-taught effort. What you got out of it was directly correlated to what you put in.
With her homework, I always made sure every i was dotted and every t was crossed. I will also remember the day I because a senior and could freely take candy from the cabinet!!! She was a wonderful woman and will be missed.
God bless her, her family and friends.
Brittney Drollinger.
Linda Louise – you truly changed my life and I am forever grateful. I will miss you more than words can express.
Kamiakin class of 1985.
We are so sorry we will miss Slick’s service. She was one of our favorite teachers of all time. Her love and devotion to teaching and kids in general was amazing. Greg and Cindy Herman Class of 79 and 82.
Linda,
Bon Voyage my dear, sweet, stubborn friend. I am forever grateful for the woman who first introduced me to lobster — and myself.
You saw a strength in me that, as a teenage girl, I didn’t yet recognize. You reached deep into my soul and pulled it out, even while I fought you. You pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I hated you for it. Then, I loved you. Now, I thank you.
Carrie Conner
Class of 1986
Guestbook for
Linda Louise Slick