JOHN CHARLES SLATER

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JOHN CHARLES SLATER June 6, 1919 - August 17, 2005 It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Charlie Slater of Stonewall, Manitoba (formerly of Balmoral, MB.) on August 17, at Stonewall and District Health Centre. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Velma Patricia (Willis) and his four daughters and their husbands: Carol (Jerome) Schaeffer; Heather (Joe) Corbett; Jean (Ed) Rootsaert and Joan (Dean) Holliston. Also by grandchildren: Darla (Robert) Lambert, Darlene (Perry) Sytnyk, Patricia Schaeffer; Sheena (Gerald) Letexier, Campbell (Sandy) Gibb, Peter (Heng) Corbett; Bryan ( Karla) Rootsaert, Peter, Mark and Christopher Rootsaert; Krista Holliston; and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn: his sister, Catherine Thexton and sisters-in-law, Nell Drake and Nelda Willis. Charlie was born June 6, 1919 in Balmoral, MB., to John Henry Slater and Alexa McDonald Slater (Simpson). Except for service with the R.C.A.F. during The Second World War, he had resided in Balmoral all his life until moving to Stonewall in 1996. His schooling was received in Balmoral and at Success Business College in Winnipeg. In 1940, Charlie married his school friend and sweetheart, Velma Willis. Together they raised their four daughters. Summertime always found Charlie enjoying his love of gardening. He had the grandchildren convinced that Balmoral grown vegetables were the best! Being an ardent sportsman, he was often found in the fall lying in a goose hide or stalking the bush for game. He also had thirteen wonderful years travelling in their motor home. Charlie worked with his father in the family's general insurance agency which was established in 1890. He took it over when his father passed away. The J.C. Slater Agency Ltd. continually represented the Portage Mutual Insurance Co. and other companies as well . In 1978 the agency was sold and became Slater-Roy Agency. Charlie retired in 1985 after fifty years in the insurance business. He was involved in the sales of R.R.S.P's and Trust services until 1995. Charlie was always involved with community and area organizations. He was secretary of two Stonewall farm group locals, the Balmoral Skating and Hockey Club, the Balmoral Hall Board and the Balmoral Curling Rink Committee which financed and built the first three sheet rink in 1938. He served on the Balmoral Curling Club executive for many years and was given an honorary life membership in 1989. He also served as trustee for the Balmoral Consolidated School District. He was a charter member of the Insurance Agents Association of Manitoba and during the 1950's remained active on the association's council. While vice-president he had to decline becoming president due to ill health at the time. He had been auditor for many organizations throughout his adult life. He was the Past Noble Grand of Stonewall Odd Fellows Lodge #49 and was presented with his Sixty Year Jewel. He joined the Stonewall Masonic Lodge #12 where he was Worshipful Master in 1953. He was presented with his Sixty Year Bar on October 23, 2003. He was a member of the Past Masters' Association of Manitoba. Charlie later joined Prince Rupert #1 Royal Arch Masons and received a Fifty Year Jewel from the chapter. Twenty years later he joined King Edward Preceptory #24 of the Knights Templar. He was a member of the Khartum Vintage Car Unit in the year of its inception - 1973, where he served in the offices of president and secretary. He became an honorary life member of this unit. He was also a charter member of the Khartum Past Masters' Club and belonged to the Interlake Shrine Club. Charlie had been a member of Stonewall Branch #52 Royal Canadian Legion and received his Sixty Year Pin from the branch. He had been a long time member of St. Peter's Anglican Church at Balmoral, MB. and in later years The Church of the Ascension, Stonewall, MB. He was a devoted father and the family will miss his many stories. He loved to tell and relate stories of people and places as you travelled along for a car ride. Our beloved father will be greatly missed in so many ways. A Masonic service will be held on Tuesday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall, MB. Cremation has taken place and a service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall, MB. with Rev. Kenn Garrity officiating. A private burial of cremains will take place at Victoria Cemetery, Balmoral, MB. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital Fund, 1155 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB., R3P 1B9 or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2005