Brian R. Slawinski, age 62, of Manistee, Michigan, died Monday evening, May 10th, 2021 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 27th, 1959 in Manistee, Michigan, son of the late Richard and Geraldine (Stewart) Slawinski.  Brian was a graduate of Manistee High School's Class of 1977.  He married Christine M. Kott on June 22nd, 1991 at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Shrine in Manistee.  Brian was a corrections officer with the State of Michigan for 22 years, primarily at the Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee until his retirement in 2014.  Following retirement, Brian was a paraprofessional with the Manistee ISD working in the MOCI classroom.  Brian was a jack of many trades, always busy.  He enjoyed construction, building his own home, a spec house in Wellston, his family's cabin on Gunn Lake in Free Soil, and most recently, worked together with his son, Evan, to build his home.

Nothing brought Brian greater joy than spending time with his family. He was a generous man and would help anyone without a second thought. He loved being outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and driving his pontoon boat on Gunn Lake.  He was a man that was never afraid to show off his dance moves or diving skills.

He is survived by his wife, Christine M. Slawinski, his daughter Hope (Jakob Nezki) Slawinski, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Clayton and Justine Slawinski, Austin (Sara Schultz) Slawinski, and Evan (Shelby McColl) Slawinski, two grandchildren, Henry and Alexander Slawinski, his step-mother, Carole Slawinski, all of Manistee.  He is also survived by his sister, Sandi Zielinski of Traverse City, his brother Bruce Slawinski of Free Soil, his mother-in-law Carol M. (Raczkowski) Kott, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Nicole Kott, all of Manistee, his godchild Amber Narmore and nephew Matthew Zielinski of Traverse City. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive him.

Brian was preceded in death by his father-in-law James Kott.

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, there will be a celebration of life for Brian from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee, which will be followed by a time for family and friends to share their remembrances of Brian beginning at 8:00 p.m.

For those wishing to remember Brian, the family suggests you consider a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee in in charge of funeral arrangements.