Vernon Edward Slocum

The family of Vernon Edward Slocum is saddened to announce his passing on the morning of August 20th, 2014 at the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario at the age of 92. Born on May 31, 1922 in Saint John, New Brunswick Vernon lived a long and full life. After serving overseas with the Canadian Royal Air Force as a communication technician during World War II, he returned home to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from the University of New Brunswick and to marry the ‘girl next door’, Helen Mary Bateman. Married for 65 years, Helen was Vernon’s co-captain and chief navigator through the varied seas of life. While working as an electrical engineer at General Electric in Peterborough, Ontario Vernon produced eleven patents and went on to complete his Master of Engineering degree through the University of New Brunswick. The family which now included daughter, Nancy Joan and son, Gregory Edward moved to Dundas in the early seventies when Vernon took on a position with Westinghouse Canada in Hamilton. Wherever he resided, Vernon never found himself without a boat which enabled him to get out on the water. A member of the Hamilton Yacht Club, Vernon sailed his 26 foot McGregor sailboat named “Nomad” both out of Hamilton as well as out of Panama City Beach, Florida. During their retirement years, Vernon and Helen were surrounded by family and friends at their winter home in Panama City Beach. An avid skier and golfer throughout his life, long into his nineties he enjoyed long walks on the Sulpher Springs Trail and boasted of swimming fifty lengths of the backyard pool. He also enjoyed regalling his grandchildren with tales of summers on the family farm along Grand Lake, New Brunswick. Vernon is survived by his wife, Helen Mary (nee Bateman), daughter, Nancy Joan Desrosiers, son, Gregory Edward Slocum. Grandchildren are Gregory “Junior” Slocum and Jean-Paul Edward Desrosiers (wife Shellilee Candace nee Ballum) and great-grandaughter Maria Helen Desrosiers. Our prayers are that Vernon finds smooth sailing in his eternal life. The family would like to thank staff of the Juravinski Hospital for their care and support over these last days. A Private Family Service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Foundation. On-line tributes may be made at www.marlattfhdundas.com.