Obituary for Edward Bruce Slater
Slater, Edward Bruce
On Friday January 1st 2021, Edward Bruce Slater (Big Bruce), loving husband of Joyce Slater passed away at the age of 86. Bruce is survived by his wife Joyce of 65 years, his five children Kim Doney (David), Sue Greer (Alan), Wende Hogan (Tim), Wanda Allison (Glenn), Richard Slater (Becky), ten grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Bruce was born in Leamington Ontario to Eric and Margret Slater on October 28, 1934. He followed his dream and started teaching in a one room school house at Point Pelee, teaching grades 1-8. He and Joyce moved to Fonthill where he taught Industrial Arts at Thorold Fonthill High School in 1958, when it first opened. Bruce was never idle and from his earliest days of teaching he continued his education earning his degree and Masters degree while raising his five children. He was awarded the National Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year in 1968. Bruce was a strong believer of Industrial Arts being taught in all Secondary Schools. He retired from Niagara South Board of Education in 1990 as Principal of Westbrook Secondary School in Welland.
Bruce was a believer in serving one’s community. Over the years, Bruce was a Volunteer Fireman in Fonthill, a Kinsmen member and served on the District Executive. He was honoured with a Kinsmen Life Membership. He served as a Board member on the Pelham District Public School Board. Bruce coached Pelham girls’ softball. He was a choir member of Pelham Centre United Church and the Niagara Mens’ Chorus. Bruce was a member of the Fonthill Legion and Fonthill Masonic Lodge #535.
Bruce’s love for his family was unwavering. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, golfing and welcomed all to visit the cottage on the Key River. He and Joyce wintered 30 years in Bonita Springs, Florida. He became a Shriner at Araba Temple in Fort Myers. Bruce joined the Jokers clown group in Naples and was able to brighten the lives of many children while raising money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Bruce loved life and he demonstrated that every day.
The memorial service to celebrate the life of Bruce and his enormous contribution to humanity will celebrated private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Shriner Children's Hospital and Wesley United Church in Welland would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca
On Friday January 1st 2021, Edward Bruce Slater (Big Bruce), loving husband of Joyce Slater passed away at the age of 86. Bruce is survived by his wife Joyce of 65 years, his five children Kim Doney (David), Sue Greer (Alan), Wende Hogan (Tim), Wanda Allison (Glenn), Richard Slater (Becky), ten grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Bruce was born in Leamington Ontario to Eric and Margret Slater on October 28, 1934. He followed his dream and started teaching in a one room school house at Point Pelee, teaching grades 1-8. He and Joyce moved to Fonthill where he taught Industrial Arts at Thorold Fonthill High School in 1958, when it first opened. Bruce was never idle and from his earliest days of teaching he continued his education earning his degree and Masters degree while raising his five children. He was awarded the National Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year in 1968. Bruce was a strong believer of Industrial Arts being taught in all Secondary Schools. He retired from Niagara South Board of Education in 1990 as Principal of Westbrook Secondary School in Welland.
Bruce was a believer in serving one’s community. Over the years, Bruce was a Volunteer Fireman in Fonthill, a Kinsmen member and served on the District Executive. He was honoured with a Kinsmen Life Membership. He served as a Board member on the Pelham District Public School Board. Bruce coached Pelham girls’ softball. He was a choir member of Pelham Centre United Church and the Niagara Mens’ Chorus. Bruce was a member of the Fonthill Legion and Fonthill Masonic Lodge #535.
Bruce’s love for his family was unwavering. He enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, golfing and welcomed all to visit the cottage on the Key River. He and Joyce wintered 30 years in Bonita Springs, Florida. He became a Shriner at Araba Temple in Fort Myers. Bruce joined the Jokers clown group in Naples and was able to brighten the lives of many children while raising money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Bruce loved life and he demonstrated that every day.
The memorial service to celebrate the life of Bruce and his enormous contribution to humanity will celebrated private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Shriner Children's Hospital and Wesley United Church in Welland would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca