Al Slechta died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at his Gilroy home. He was 72. Al was born in Los Angeles in 1939 and earned his BS and MS in Civil Engineering at UC Berkeley. After graduation, he was employed by Clair Hill and went to South Lake Tahoe, where he met his wife Ruth Slechta.
They eventually relocated to Corvallis, OR and he was involved in the early years with what is now CH2M-Hill. Also while in Oregon, he became an avid argriculturalist and owned a blueberry and hazelnut farm.
They relocated to Gilroy, CA where Al worked for OMI and was Operations Manager for the wastewater treatment facility. During those 15 years he oversaw the major upgrade design and expansion of the Gilroy treatment facility. He retired in 2001.
Al was an active member of the community. He volunteered for many winters at the Gilroy homeless shelter and also worked at the Gilroy Salvation Army. He was on the City of Gilroy Bike Path Commission. He loved to bike and could be seen out on one of many roads with his bike group on the weekends.
Al was an active member of the Gilroy Presbyterian Church and enjoyed leading a men’s bible study group for many years. He also belonged to the AAUW (American Association of University Women) along with his wife, Ruth.
Al had a passion for nature and enjoyed fishing, camping, skiing and hiking in national parks. His compassion for people and his community and his sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Al is survived by daughter Patricia Slechta of Moraga, son Richard Slechta of Los Angeles, granddaugher, Saarah Slechta of Moraga, and cousin Milton Janosky of New Hampshire.
Al’s wife, Ruth Slechta, passed away in 2005.A private burial will be held on the water under the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilroy Homeless Shelter where Al was a volunteer at www.ehclifebuilders.org
