CAPTAIN ROBERT F. (BOB) SLADE, CD

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CAPTAIN ROBERT F. (BOB) SLADE, CD, (Retired) June 4, 1924 December 23, 2006 Unexpectedly, as a result of complications following surgery, Bob Slade passed away December 23, 2006 in Kelowna. Bob leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 50 years, Alyson; sons, Richard (Kim), Robert (Christine); grandchildren, Morgan, Robyn, Ryan, and Katy; his brother Don (Gloria), many nieces and nephews, and many friends across the country. Bob was predeceased by his parents Charles and Nettie, and his sister Doris. Bob was born in Regina in 1924. He joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942 and served as a Lancaster Pilot with 44 Rhodesia Squadron during the Second World War. After the war, Bob worked in radio with CKCK in Regina. His true love was flying however, and Bob re-enlisted in the R.C.A.F., serving as an Instructor Pilot on Harvards and T-33's. He met and married Alyson while both were stationed at Portage la Prairie. Their first date was a flight in a T-Bird. Bob was then posted overseas to 4 Wing in Germany flying Sabres with 422 Tomahawk Squadron. On his return to Canada, he served at NDHQ in Ottawa before being posted to Gimli as an Instructor on Tutor jets. In Gimli, he was Flight Commander of Bandit Flight. Bob returned to Germany in 1969, working with Mission Planning in Lahr. His last posting was to Winnipeg, where he worked in Search and Rescue, retiring in 1970. Over the years, Bob trained many pilots and was respected as an exceptional pilot and instructor. Bob then joined the Public Service, working in Winnipeg as a supervisor in the Unemployment Insurance Commission. He retired from the U.I.C. at the end of 1985. Bob was active for many years in Winnipeg with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, serving as Commanding Officer of 220 Red River Squadron. He was a member of #4 Legion in Winnipeg and #288 Legion in Kelowna. Bob was a Lifetime Member of The Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, attending many reunions over the years. He was also a proud member of SPAADS, the Sabre Pilots Association of the Air Division. Bob and Alyson moved to Kelowna in 1986, where he enjoyed spending time on his favourite hobby woodcarving. Bob was a Past President and member of the Kelowna Carving Club. He was also an avid Saskatchewan Roughrider fan and armchair quarterback, cheering them on regardless of the score. Bob made many friends in his travels throughout the years. Everyone who knew him or worked with him had high praise for his knowledge, work ethic, professionalism, and wry sense of humour. He was regarded as a true gentleman. You could not ask for a better friend, brother, father, husband, or grandfather. We will all miss his chuckle and the sparkle in his eye. Happy Landings Bandit 1 . Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12 at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Should friends desire, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Per Ardua Ad Astra THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 MCGILLIVRAY BLVD. WWW.THOMSONINTHEPARK.COM 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2007