Boyd Sonny Slater

Boyd Sonny Slater, aged 89, died peacefully in his sleep at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital. Boyd was born on September 20, 1929, in Byron Center, Michigan, to Alfred and Lela Slater. There, he attended a one-room school for many years before graduating from Byron Center High School. Boyd was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (McKenzie) Slater; brother, Kent Slater; sister Ila Howe; son-in-law, Gary Humphreys and sisters-in-law, Patsy Warren and Nancy Lumley. He is survived by his wife, Nyla Turner-Slater; daughter, Sharon Humphreys; sons, Michael (Marilyn) Slater and Scott (Sheila) Slater; and step-sons, Paul (Renee) Turner and Jeff (Julie) Turner; sister-in-law, Dolores Slater and Ruth (Lyle) Salmon; brother-in-law, George Warren and many nieces and nephews. Boyd was very proud of his eight grandchildren, John (Christine) Humphreys, Christine (Peter Berkhout) Olmsted, Kathryn Humphreys, Katie (Chris) Bond, Sarah (Nate Rode) Slater-Bakhan, Todd (Ashley) Slater, Hunter Slater, and Morgan Slater; step-grandchildren, John (Naoko) Turner and Justine (Brian) Potthast. Perhaps his greatest delight, however, were his 14 great-grandchildren who will always remember their fun-loving “Grandpa B” or “Poppy”. Boyd was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and talking about hunting with family and friends. In classic Boyd fashion, the size of the deer’s “rack” got bigger each time he shared a story. Over the years, Boyd enjoyed hunting trips all over the United States and Canada; however nowhere was he happier than in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. His other big interest was vehicular: he could happily drive for hours and found car shopping an absolute delight. In retirement, Boyd served as a volunteer with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department – fulfilling a dream to drive a patrol car while wearing a police uniform (no gun, though). In his later years, he enjoyed staying connected with friends and family through regular phone conversations and sharing coffee with friends from his condominium complex and church. Visitation will be Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 3-7 pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 4, 2019 at 11 am, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Another time of visitation will be 1 hour prior to the funeral beginning at 10 am, at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Boyd’s name to: Faith Lutheran Church.