MICHAEL SLATER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MICHAEL SLATER Peacefully, on September 29, 2016, at Deer Lodge Centre, Michael passed away at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his wife Ida and second wife Betty; sisters, Stella, Dora and Pauline; and his brother Russell; stepsiblings, Tom, Jessie and Olga; and by his parents, Frederick and Sophia. Michael will be greatly missed by his children, Fran, Carl (Elsa), Wade (Carol) and Vivian, as well as by his loved and cherished nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-granddaughters. He will also be missed by his sister Irene and special friend Ruth. Michael was born in Benito, Manitoba, April 25, 1924, where he attended school and later found farm work in the surrounding area and in Russell, MB. After several years of working in the farming community, he left to join the military. He joined the PPCLI in early 1944 and then volunteered for the elite 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. He joined the battalion in England, where it had just returned following participation in the D-Day Airborne Operation. He then deployed with the battalion to take part in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and The Ardennes. Michael then deployed with the battalion to take part in the Operations to Liberate Holland and was active in further operation in Germany, after which he was redeployed to England and in May 1945 he returned to Canada and back to civilian life. Michael had been a member of Henderson Highway Legion Branch No. 215 for 35 years, and was proud and humbled to have served his country. After his discharge, Michael located to Winnipeg, where he met and married Ida and began his working career in the roofing industry. He held positions with Superior, Aetna and finally with Master Roofing. He was well respected in the industry for his estimating skills. Michael was a great sports enthusiast. He curled with the Fort Garry Curling Club, when it was located on Main Street. He fondly and sheepishly remembered the "Snake Pit" downstairs, but oddly could barely remember going there. He called it "the good old days". He closely followed the Blue Bombers and the Jets and enjoyed watching golf on TV. But his greatest joy was attending and hearing about the sporting events and activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Michael took great pleasure in helping others. He was kind-hearted and generous while never expecting anything in return. He was a member of the North Kildonan United Church, which he attended with Ruth for as long as he was able. He volunteered at his former residence 1630 Henderson Hwy., where he made many friends; also at MSOS, but he loved his volunteer work at Good Neighbours Senior Centre. He enjoyed their programs and the socialization they offered, and never tired of offering help and support to his family. Family can never thank enough the staff at Deer Lodge Centre for their loving care over the last year and half. We are grateful to nursing and support staff, as well as Allied Health. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, 2109 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3 or Good Neighbours Senior Centre Inc., 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R2K 0Z5. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. Message from a Fallen Comrade My helmet, now a halo Wings replace my chute To fly amoungst the eagles No Soldier would dispute No aircraft is needed To take me to the sky Your prayers from below Have lifted me so high My spirit is my engine No need to refuel No runway required A rainbow's edge will do No need for maps or compasses My angels are my guides Their strength and love have gifted me To soar the sky with pride The heavens here are endless My soul's now free to roam There is no need to cry my friends This Airbourne Trooper found his home. - Unknown Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 4, 2016

MICHAEL SLATER Peacefully on September 29, 2016, at Deer Lodge Centre, Michael passed away at the age of 92. Longer obituary and notice of service will follow at a later date.

Publish Date: Oct 1, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 04, 2016