Obituary of Wallace Eugene Slater

November 12, 1937 – Wakaw, Saskatchewan

October 23, 2021 – Okotoks, Alberta

Wallace E. Slater of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the age of 83 years.

Wally was born in Wakaw, SK on November 13, 1937.  He grew up in Saskatchewan and married Deanna Schum on April 1, 1961 in Saskatoon.  They eventually moved to Calgary where they raised their family in the community of North Haven.  In his later years, he and Deanna resided in High River.

Wally was a small town Sakatchewan boy who loved the outdoors, all creatures great and small, and working with his hands on many building and fixing up projects.  He worked alongside his father in the family lumber yard and hardware store where he learned the value of having the right tool for the job!  He took great pride in his craftsmanship and his greatest labour of love was building the family cabin at Sylvan Lake where family and friends shared many happy times together.

Wally began his career working for International Harvester and then moved into the financial arena including time at Household Finance, Avco, Northwest Trust, and Financial Trust Co. as well as his own business ventures.

Wally loved God and had a strong faith and hope in Jesus.  Along with Deanna, he ministered to many.  Wally loved his family well.  He opened his heart and his home to neighbours and strangers and was always offering help to anyone in need. Wally always had a smile on his face and a kind word.  He looked for the good in every situation and was happy and positive to his last days. 

Wally faced his illness with bravery and light in his heart.  He was a gift to everyone he encountered through his journey, including his doctors, nurses, care people, friends, and neighbours who stepped in to help.  His family would like to thank the staff at Foothills Country Hospice who cared for him and were there to hold his hands in his final moments.  He felt so comfortable and happy there.  Wally will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Wally is survived by his three daughters, Alyson (Michael), Angela (Rene), and Andrea (Jim); grandchildren, Annalise (Derick), Nicholas, Danielle (Oscar), Matthew (Paula), Mackenzie (Olivia), and Maxwell (Hailey); and his great-granddaughter Heidi Mae; He will also be missed by  his sister Beatrice of Vancouver, BC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Wallace was predeceased by his beloved wife Deanna in October 2018. 

The family will not be holding a service at this time.  A private family graveside service will be held in the spring at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Wally, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.