Brian Lee Slovin

Brian Lee Slovin, 71 years old, went to be with our Heavenly Father on July 14, 2019 while holding the hands of his wife of almost 40 years and his daughter. Prior to being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on July 1, 2019, Brian had never been hospitalized nor had any health issues. He lived a very active and healthy life all the way until the end, walking every morning and swimming several days per week. Brian was born in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa on November 12, 1947. He fondly remembered his days swimming at Sea Point Pavilion where ocean waves splashed onto him in the lap pool, Saturday morning swim meets with his brother, playing golf at ocean side, his walks alone in the mountains, the views from Table Mountain, meeting friends on the beach, watching his Dad’s race horses from the family roof garden and riding the train to and from school. Brian often talked about the majestic beauty of Cape Town’s rugged mountains and white sandy beaches. His memories of Atlantic lighthouses created his desire for a collection. He left his granddaughters a candle lit lighthouse to remember him. Brian stopped in Houston while travelling back to South Africa after visiting his brother in California in 1977. While in Houston by chance encounter, he met the love of his life, Ree. After meeting Ree he decided to stay in Huntsville and made it his home for 42 years from 1977 to 2019. Brian and Ree were married in 1979 and welcomed their daughter Aubree in 1983. Although he missed the beauty of his home country, his love for his family was so great that he never returned to South Africa. Throughout his life Brian talked about his wife Ree and wanted to make sure she was taken care of even at the very end. Brian strongly believed in the importance of education. He began his education as an international student at Sam Houston State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 1979 and a Masters of Arts in English in 1982. He continued his education at Texas A&M and through hard work and dedication he graduated with his doctorate degree in Education, Curriculum, and Development in 2001. Brian was a lifelong teacher. He spent many years teaching in public schools, colleges and the prison system. Brian taught a variety of education levels at Sam Houston State University, Lee College, Lone Star Community College, Huntsville High School, Conroe High School and Montgomery High School, among others. Through his time as a teacher, Brian was able to impact the lives of his many students and was affectionately referred to as “D0c.” In 2007 he retired from teaching full time but continued to substitute teach at Huntsville High School until the summer of 2019. Brian was an avid swimmer for over 60 years. He loved the water and started his lifelong swimming in South Africa as a young boy at the age of 10. He represented the Cape Province in his swimming career. He brought his love of swimming to the United States and coached the Huntsville Lakers swim team during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He imparted his love of swimming, fitness and healthy lifestyle to those around him. His patience as a swim coach was endless and his swimmers still recall fond memories of “Coach Brian.” Brian taught his daughter how to swim at the young age of 3 years old and was very involved with her swimming career. He (Oupa) also helped teach his granddaughters how to swim and improve their strokes. Brian was an awesome Dad and Oupa. He was always willing to help his daughter and granddaughters no matter what the circumstance, or what he had going on that day. Whether it be a repair that needed to be made, a tree that needed to be planted, an air condition filter that needed to be changed, or a granddaughter that needed to be taken care of, Oupa was always available. Brian loved to work outdoors at their home in Huntsville and on their farm in Waller. He loved animals, especially his dogs Sam, Lex & Mendee and his steers Harry & Oreo. Brian referred to his dogs as some of his best friends and commemorated them by writing books about each of them. He thoroughly enjoyed the quiet country life. Brian also enjoyed writing and authored 15 short stories and several opinion articles in the local newspaper. Additionally, Brian enjoyed playing and watching golf, especially Rory Mcllroy. If there was a golf tournament on television, you can bet that Brian was watching it, or recording it if he was gone to the farm. Brian was preceded in death by his Jewish father Sam Slovin, his Anglican mother Kathleen Lee Slovin, and his brother Vernon Lee Slovin. Brian leaves behind his wife Ree Ann Slovin, daughter Aubree Anne Paschal, son-in-law Jacob Paschal, and granddaughters Jayda, Sydney, Avery and Paisley Paschal. Brian will be remembered for his acts of kindness, patience when teaching and coaching, his interest in international cultures, his sense of humor and most of all, the love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends for years to come. In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.pancan.org for research to further improve survival rates of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Note for Service: Dress Code is Casual, at family's request

Brian Lee Slovin

November 12, 1947 - July 14, 2019