In Memoriam: Robert Slapcoff

Robert started working at Vanier in the Fall of 1987 as a percussionist and retired in the Spring of 2023. Even after his retirement, he continued to teach in Vanier’s music school until his death. 

“His skill, reputation and legacy as a percussionist are only matched by his indelible impact as a teacher and mentor for countless musicians. One student summed it up perfectly: “Bob was the godfather of percussionists in Montreal”.

Vanier offers its sympathies and condolences to Robert’s family and friends and to all his colleagues in the Vanier Music Department shocked by his sudden demise.  

A Chapel funeral service will be held tomorrow morning, Friday, November 29th, at 10 AM, at Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W.  Burial will take place at King Edward New Section, Back River Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Shiva will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown on Friday, November 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at 12462 rue Raiche on Saturday, November 30, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The family will also be receiving condolence visits on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Laurie Robin Slapcoff Memorial Award c/o the Schulich School of Music of McGill University or a charity of your choice.

Please see the full obituary here.