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BRIGADIER GENERAL (RET'D.) RODERICK WILLIAM (BILL) SLAUGHTER
Date of Passing: Oct 31, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRIGADIER GENERAL (RET'D.) RODERICK WILLIAM (BILL) SLAUGHTER Peacefully, on October 31, 2013 at the age of 74. Bill was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1939 to the late Rod and Ada (Dee) Slaughter. His love of flying was developed as a young boy, and after becoming an enthusiastic air cadet, he joined the Canadian Airforce as a flight lieutenant in 1958. Bill was a fearless jet pilot, mastering the Sabre in 2 wing, France, and taking on the coveted role of Red Knight, solo performance pilot, and then lead soloist for the Golden Centennaires aerobatic flying team. Bill was a key figure in development of the air safety division of the Armed Forces, and upon leaving the military, continued his drive for flight safety through the Ministry of Transport. A highlight in his career was returning to Air Command in Winnipeg in the position of Chief of the Air Reserves. Following this, he resumed his work with the Public Service in Ottawa. In 2001, he retired as Executive Director of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat. We are so proud of his accomplishments. Bill was many things to many people: a devoted husband, a caring father and a doting grandfather. Above all, he was a source of inspiration as to how to lead a dignified and honorable life. Bill is survived by his wife of 22 years, Laurie (Burke) Slaughter of Ottawa. He also leaves behind his daughters, Corinne Slaughter-Sahota (Amerjit) and Colette Ouellet (Luc) of Ottawa, and his son Rod Slaughter (Jen) of Winnipeg. He will be deeply missed by his five grandchildren, Ashley Cloutier, Melissa Ouellet, Patrick Ouellet, Joshua Sahota and Amber Sahota. Bill is affectionately remembered by his Aunt Louise, his cousins and extended family in Canada, England and the U.S., and his sister-in-law and brother-in law, Cathy (Burke) and Joe deTuba. He is also fondly remembered by his close friends Pat and Norm Cowan, Rick and Olive Linden, and many other dear friends and colleagues from his professional and personal life. The family would like to thank the many people who cared for and about Bill, including friend, Mrs. Joan Bradley, and care providers Edith and Lourdis. Finally, we are extremely grateful to the staff at Promenade Senior's suites who gave him exceptional care, respect and comfort since July 2012. Friends and family are invited to visit at Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7 and on Friday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m. until time of celebration of Bill's life in the Sacred Space at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the National Military Cemetery of Canada located on the grounds of Beechwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson's Society of Canada or Prostate Cancer Canada. Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodcemetery.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2013
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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THis is May 18, 2020. I just heard about the fatal accident in Kamloops which took the life of a young female pilot flying with the Snowbirds. Whenever I hear of Canada's flying aces I always think of Bill Slaughter. I knew Bill in 1956 when we were members of the RCACADET Drill Team that competed against the Civil Air Patrol of the US and a Cadet team from Great Britain. We won. Bill later contacted me in the 60s when he was performing here in St. JOHN'S NL. GREAT GUY and a hero to his family and friends who loved and respected him. I wasn't aware of his passing until I googled him today. - Posted by: Fred Saunders (air cadet friend ) on: May 18, 2020
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So many years have passed and the above photo is the matured image of the young man with whom I shared a room so many years ago. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: David Ball (Room mates AFTS Gimli 1959) on: Mar 13, 2014
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So sad to learn of Bill's death. Dad tells wonderful tales of flying with Bill, of his skill, humility and wonderful sense of humour. My thoughts are with the family and I am hoping time, fond memories and the togetherness you share will bring comfort. - Posted by: Angela Hinton (Daughter of fellow Golden Centennaire, Tom Hinton) on: Feb 10, 2014
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Bill and I met when we went to United College and became good friends. Had a lot lot of interesting times with him. A great fellow and a good friend. We have been overseas and learned of his passing on our return - Posted by: Ross Sigurdson (Friend) on: Nov 24, 2013
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Very sorry to hear this sad news. Bill and I shared time together in the cockpit (his second home, it seems) at the office and relaxing after work. The movie-star "Slaughter Smile" and easy sense of cameraderie, not to mention good humour, was as disarming as it was effective. Bill was an original, and will be missed by all who knew and respected him. - Posted by: Mike Murphy (colleague) on: Nov 09, 2013
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My father was involved in teaching Bill how to fight the F-86 Sabre tactically at the OTU in RCAF Chatham, NB in the 1950s, but he never had to show Bill how to fly, he was truly a natural. We mourn not only the passing of a great pilot and a true leader, but also a wonderful person, father, grandfather, and friend. Blue skies and soft landings to our dear, dear friend. - Posted by: Brick & Tracy Billing (Family Friend) on: Nov 08, 2013
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I have known Bill since we were 14 and Air Cadets. We flew in Abbotsford, Ottawa and Winnipeg. His passing brings him peace from his illness. He gave over and over to life. Now Angels will guide his eternity, he will be missed, he gave us all his all. - Posted by: Bob Petrowski (176 Optimist Sqdn Life Friend) on: Nov 06, 2013
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I remember Mr Slaughter when they moved in next door to us on Tupper Street in Portage La Prairie, MB in the late 60s. I was a teenager and babysat for the children when Mr. Slaughter would be flying his jets as the Red Knight and he would say watch for me up in the sky. We did and were so proud to have known him. - Posted by: Rosemary Kwiatkowski (nee Strutt) (former neighbour and babysitter of Corinne and Colette) on: Nov 06, 2013
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A terrific photo of a great guy. The world salutes you Bill. You will be missed. - Posted by: Jake Marks (Friend) on: Nov 06, 2013