Mac Slade

The world lost a good one, but we all gained a feisty angel. On Tuesday May 2nd, Dr. Mac L. Slade, 83 joined his nephew Bob Lengowski to go fishin' on the Big Horn. Mac Lyle was born August 5, 1933 in Malta, MT to Clayton and Rae Slade. During World War II, Mac was nine years old when his parents moved him, and his two sisters Pat and Tonya, to find work in San Mateo, California. That's where Mac grew up, as he would say, "running the streets" with his friends until he graduated high school. Mac enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served three years as a Gunner's Mate Second Class. He then returned to the Montana Hi-line where he worked as an electrical lineman until moving to Billings for a job with G.E. Supply. Thank Heavens he did that, because that's where he met Glenn. And a short time later, Mac was headed on a blind date with Glenn's little sister, Joanne Marlene Kautz. Two years later, Mac and Jo were married on August 16, 1957. In the fall of 1959 the duo moved out to Portland where Mac began dental school at the University of Oregon. While balancing his studies the couple also started their family, first Cameron Clayton then Matthew Lyle. After graduation, they moved back to Billings and along came Joel Mayberry. Mac was instrumental in establishing Plaza West Dental Group and practiced dentistry until retirement in 1994. To this day, former pediatric patients remind Mac's family what an amazing dentist and giving man he was. Often commenting had it not been for Dr. Slade they would not have their smiles. Dr. Slade often performed much needed dental work and then “misplaced” the bill. Grandpa Mac's life passions included his boys, their sports, family ski trips and building the family cabin in Red Lodge. After retirement his interests turned to days of fishing, golfing and loving on his grandchildren. He did not enjoy yard work! (Joanne adds.) Welcoming Mac in Heaven are his parents and his siblings, Dale, Don, Patricia and Earl. He leaves behind his wife, Joanne; sister, Tonya (Edward) Waldhauser; children Cameron (Terri), of Redmond, WA, Dr. Matthew Slade (Angela) and Joel (Jeanelle) of Billings. And, of course, his seven grandchildren, Carson, Garrett, Olivia, Delaney, Haddy, Carter and Alli, who are fortunate to have wonderful memories with their grandpa and miss him already. We love you always, and yes, Grandpa… it's time to eat cake! Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave. in Billings. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.