RETIRED DOCTOR and pilot Michael Slazenger was a “superhero who liked to be invisible”, mourners heard at a service of thanksgiving yesterday.
The 69-year-old anaesthetist, whose father owned the Slazenger sports equipment brand, died on Monday after his plane crashed on a private airfield at Powerscourt estate last weekend.
Family, friends and former work colleagues of the doctor gathered at the Church of St Patrick’s in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, for what was “a celebration of a life”, Archdeacon Ricky Rountree said.
The majority of mourners stood outside and watched the service on two screens mounted close to the side wall of the small church.
The late Dr Slazenger’s wife, Noreen, was joined by her daughters Marianne, Sarah and Liz. Dr Slazenger’s eight grandchildren were also present as well as his siblings Wendy, Jonie, John and Peter.
Prayers were said for the late Noel Whitney, who also died in the aircraft crash, and for the hospital staff at Tallaght and St James’s hospitals where Dr Slazenger was treated after the incident.
A version of Here I am Lordwas sung by the local junior gospel choir who, the congregation were told, were one of Dr Slazenger's great loves.
His daughters described him as a “thoughtful, loving and caring” father and a “loving and devoted grandpa” who was humble and generous.
In a moving address, friend of the family William Micklem, described Dr Slazenger as a “superhero who liked to be invisible”.
He was for 25 years a consultant at St Vincent’s hospital and St Michael’s Dún Laoghaire and was “meticulous in his work”. He was also chairman and chief executive of the Powerscourt Estate, which he “caressed and massaged into the 21st century”.
“A triumph achieved without government grants, which deserves to be recognised,” he said.
He was described as quiet and patient, non-judgmental and supportive and he never betrayed a confidence or talked without thinking.
“Everything he did was laced with humour,” Mr Micklem said.
He loved to ski and to play golf, but flying was his favourite sport. Some may have asked why a man his age was flying at all, he said, but he had been flying since the age of 12 and was good at it. “Michael needed to fly; it was hardwired into his personality,” he said.
Dr Slazenger had led a fulfilling, joyous and wonderful life and had no regrets. “To be near Michael was a gentle, understated joy,” he added.
After the service, the congregation was invited to celebrate his life at nearby Powerscourt Golf Club, where Dr Slazenger had been president since 1996.
