THE REVEREND CANON JAMES D. SLATER

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THE REVEREND CANON JAMES D. SLATER On August 12, 2017, The Reverend Canon James D. Slater, age 90, passed away peacefully in Winnipeg, Manitoba at West Park Manor Personal Care Home with his family by his side. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, of 59 years, Barbara Buell Slater; his children, Becky Slater, Doug Maguire, (Duncan, Kaitlyn, Geordie); Maem Slater-Enns, Herb Enns, (Sara Wray, Jamie); Katie Slater Gray, Jerry Wexler (Dillon, Hannah, Derek) and Ian Gray. His brother Gordon, and sisters Holly, Mary and Manny predeceased him. Jim was born February 6, 1927 in Hamilton, Ontario, the youngest son of five children. He grew up in Oakville Ontario, from 1927 - 1945 with his older brother Gordon and three sisters, Holly, Manny and Mary. As the youngest son, he was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews, who have come to visit Dad over the years, but especially in the last several years. He was loved, and many stories are told of his antics exploring the countryside with his nieces and nephews, getting into trouble and enjoying life to the fullest. Dad went from school in Oakville to The University of Toronto in 1952 where he completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked as an engineer in Labrador and Toronto. Jim experienced God's calling into the Anglican Church ministry and attended Oak Hill Anglican Seminary in Southgate, London from 1955 - 1957. He later was ordained as an Anglican priest. Jim and Barbara were married in 1957. Packing up their few possessions they drove out to the North Thompson River Parish in north central B.C. where they began a new adventure with Jim serving Christ as an ordained Anglican Minister. Against a backdrop of jagged peaks, shepherds, cougars and high mountain floral meadows they established a first home together in a cedar house of Jim's making. They lived happily in the B.C. interior for six years. In 1964 Jim and Barbara moved to Kingston, Ontario, where he was appointed as the Assistant to the Rector at St. James Anglican Church where he had a strong university presence and ministry. In 1967, he was invited to come to St. Margaret's Anglican Church in Winnipeg where he stayed until his retirement in 1992. Jim was active in the Anglican Church, acting as an Examining Chaplain to the Bishop, Canon of St. John's Cathedral and Archdeacon of Winnipeg 1982 - 1985. After retirement, he was appointed Rector Emeritus for St. Margaret's Church and an Honorary Canon in the Parish of St. Aidan's. Jim and Barbara had a family of three beautiful girls - Becky, Maem, and Katie. As sisters and daughters, we were blessed by our father, and his sons-in-law were his pride and joy, never failing to love them and welcoming them openly into the family. He loved it when the grandchildren came and he held them for hours in his huge beautiful hands with which he so caringly baptized them. On the Island in Shoal lake he harvested treats like whole blueberry bushes for them to eat - picking the berries one by one while sitting on the floor of the kitchen. Jim's greatest joys were at the significant intersections of family, church, adventure, community and landscape. Rugged volunteer service work at Manitoba Pioneer Camp over decades together with wooden boat building for the S.A.L.T. Society well into his 80's made him a legendary figure. Wilderness canoe trips in the deep dark woods of the Whiteshell and Lake of the Woods left St. Margaret's Sunday School teens in awe of the fearless Priest. As Director of sailing camp at Cash Island he inspired many, including his grandchildren, to take risks in life just as he had. Bush clearing, trail blazing and building on Blueberry Island and at Georgian Bay with his daughters and sons-in-law implicated him in the dreams and values of his children. There was simply no one better to share a wilderness adventure with. Family gatherings and celebrations started with Dad saying a long grace of thanksgiving followed by marvelous meals prepared by his wife and daughters. Towards the end of his life he drew enormous inspiration and solace from long drives with his daughters, across expansive fields of canola, mustard, and wheat. The prairie landscape that he and his family had first been introduced to upon his arrival at St. Margaret's in 1967 had become a natural extension of his sensibilities. When considering the Bishop's postings in 1967, " . . . anywhere but the Prairies," had been his oft-repeated prayer. It was that very landscape that ultimately proved the most therapeutic and sublime moments. Of course, the ice cream and double doubles were necessary adjuncts. Dad was deeply loved by his family, his friends and the wider community. He served others unconditionally, laboring night and day, and he is now at rest. His love will live in our hearts forever. He is with his Maker - as he liked to imagine - " . . . sailing on the endless sea of light". As a family, we would like to thank friends, staff and Home Care at Lindenwood Manor and West Park Manor Personal Care Home for their exceptional love and care they provided to our father during his greatest time of need. We also would like to thank St Margaret's Pastoral staff and all our friends who came to be with dad in his final days. Funeral Service will take place at St. Margaret's Anglican Church at 160 Ethelbert St. at Westminster, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday, August 18 at 1:30 p.m. The Right Reverend Dr. Donald Phillips and The Reverend Dr. David Widdicombe presiding. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to Manitoba Pioneer Camp or to St. Margaret's Anglican Church, Slater Maguire Lecture Series.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 16, 2017