Deacon Doug Sliger, minister at Hill AFB, dies

"They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, ‘Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.’ For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him." Luke 5:8-11

SALT LAKE CITY — Deacon Douglas Sliger, 78, died July 19 in Seattle from complications of a head injury suffered while fishing with his son in Alaska. Most recently serving at Christ Prince of Peace Chapel at Hill Air Force Base, Deacon Sliger leaves behind a long list of appointments and accomplishments in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Deacon Douglas Richard Sliger was born April 8, 1928, to Richard Harvey and Carola Harwood. Later adopted by John Sliger, he moved to Salt Lake City where he was baptized in 1941 in Our Divine Saviour Parish (later renamed Sacred Heart Parish). Deacon Sliger attended West High School and graduated from Granite High School in 1945, and then went on briefly to the University of Utah before enlisting in the Army. He was later appointed to the United States Military Academy and received a commission in the Air Force in 1953; that year, he also married his wife, Theresa Madeline Gebele Sliger. He served as a pilot for 22 years, and retired with the rank of  lieutenant colonel.

Deacon Sliger was ordained by Bishop William Weigand July 6, 1981, and began ministry at St. Olaf Parish in Bountiful. He later served at St. Joseph Parish in Ogden and was instrumental in the establishment of St. Florence Mission in Huntsville.

Deacon Sliger is survived by his wife, Theresa; six children, Douglas Richard, Jr., Elizabeth Ann (Mel), John Allen, Michael Vincent (Cindy), Peter Anthony, and David Matthew (Rebecca); and 11 grandchildren.

"He was a great blessing to the many active duty, retired, and civilian personnel who call this community their spiritual home," said Chaplain Major Father Thomas Gills, chaplain at Hill Air Force Base. "During my deployment last year, Deacon Doug (Sliger) provided seamless spiritual care for this community, working with an Air Force Reserve

priest until my return.

"It is interesting that after a life of loving marriage that spanned more than half a century, being a loving father and grandfather, serving as an ordained deacon for over a quarter of a century, helping establish the St. Florence community and St. Anne’s Center, and proudly serving his country as an Air Force pilot, he would spend his last day enjoying fishing, in the tradition of Jesus and the disciples," said Fr. Gills.

Deacon Silvio Mayo, Chancellor of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, first met Deacon Sliger while Deacon Sliger was in formation prior to his ordination. Later, they would become good friends and serve together as directors of Deacon Formation for the Diocese under bishop Weigand. Recalling Deacon Sliger’s active ministry in the Ogden area, Deacon Mayo said, "He was the backbone of the ministry at Hill Air Force Base, having the chaplains called away so often to serve around the world. He always had a strong sense of mission."

"The sudden death of Deacon Douglas Sliger has truly saddened all of us who have known him," said Diocesan Administrator Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald. "For more than 25 years he has served a variety of ministries within the diocese. Whether at Hill Air Force Base or St. Florence Mission in Huntsville, he has worked diligently to enrich the community of faith. Deacon Sliger gave himself wholeheartedly to his calling as a deacon and was most generous in his love for the deacons with whom he served. Our prayers and condolences go out to his dear wife Terry, to his children, and to the communities where he has served. May he have eternal peace."

A Funeral Mass was slated for Wednesday, July 26, at St. Joseph Church, 514 24th Street, Ogden, at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Abbey of the Holy Trinity, 1250 S. 9500 East, Huntsville, Utah.