I am 63 yrs old and knew father from St Anne
s. He used to come over to our parents home. He did their 50th renewal of their vows. He made special arrangements to marry my husband and I back in 1973. He and Father Milner, were a big part of our lives. He always shared stories of his brother, his cat, and his horse, and Father Rink, and their vacations together. May he be enjoying his much deserved reward. I recently lost my son Tim, who was only 35. I like to think that he and him are together. May he RIP.

In the quiet light of the candles flame .... The soul begins to sing... His glow will remain in our hearts

I was saddened to hear of Fr. State's passing. He was pastor at St. John of The Woods Church for a number of years. He was a wonderful person and so good with the children of the parish. He loved to collect autographs, shoot golf balls behind the church, and share special homilies prefaced with "Here is a story boys and girls". I pray he is resting in peace.

Father Bill was a wonderful man. He made the cutest clay bears for all holidays and events. He had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. He was able to marry my husband and I on the beach in Hawaii with my wonderful grandma Elaine, his cousin, and rest of the family. After our first two kids were born he traveled to Mexico and baptized them both. We had a beautiful ceremony. I have had him in my thoughts a lot lately and hope he knows how much he is loved and his impact on so many people. May he forever rest in peace. We love you Father Bill!

Father Slate, was a priest to all of our children and some grandchildren, and a life long friend as well.  We loved him so very very much.  Thank you Father Slater for all you did for our family all these 40 years.
Much Love, The David & Evelyn Ghan Family

Father Slate was a wonderful priest - one in a million.  He took the time to give my husband private instructions in the faith instead of making him wait another 9 months to join RCIA.  He baptized my husband and 2 of my children and we all loved his homilies that were always prepared and timely.  We especially loved it when he read a children's story as a homily - one that always got us thinking about living our faith better.  Father gave me the best compliment I have ever had.  He told me I reminded him of his mother.  I never took that lightly but felt it was high praise.  Father has been and will be in my prayers every day.  I pray that his family and friends will be comforted at this great loss.

Father slate was a wonderful pastor, he loved sports I will always remember him always asking how our soccer games were and to go out n crush em, I also received my first communion from him and became an alter boy with his guidance, he always made me laugh, he believed in me enough to make me mc of the 8th grade Christmas pageant where I used to be terrified to speak in front of people, he loved his parish, he will be greatly missed, today he stands next to our heavenly father in paradise.

My cousin Father Bill was always a joy to be around.  I loved his self deprecating persona. He was a down-to-earth beautiful human being. During a difficult period in my life, he gave me helpful advice.

So many memories of Fr. Slate.  He gave me my first communion, and first reconcilliation.  Countless Christmas Pageants! He handed out report cards at St.Bernadette's. When he walked across the playground from the rectory, all us kids would run up to him.  He was loved by all.  Fr. Slate was a friend of the family and would say mass at our home.  He loved Longacres and would often ask my dad about bets! Fr. Slate will always be in my heart.  Sad loss for the St. Bernadette Family and all who knew him.

  Father Slate had a quiet, unassuming charm and charisma that drew people to him. Combined with his Irish wit and warm, friendly personality, he brought Our Lord closer into our daily lives than anyone who ever tried. I would take his wise, easy to understand Sunday homilies and tuck the messages into my pocket for the week ahead. It was as if Father Slate brought Our Lord right down from heaven to sit next to me in the pew.
  My husband, Tim and I were married by Father Slate 38 years ago at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in Burien, WA.  To this day, my family and I believe that this holy, humble, friend and parish priest will always be at the top of God's Greatest Servants List.

I remember being an alter server with my brother with Fr. Slate at St. John of the woods while he was in Tacoma, I always loved his stories for the kids in his homilies. And will always feel he was a grandfather to all of us. I pray for peace for his survivors and family. He will always be a loving memory in my heart and mind.

I will always treasure my memories of my dear cousin Bill. His sense of humor and his warmth and compassion always made me look forward to my visits with him. Rest in Peace dear Bill.

 I remember when my cousin Bill and family came to Bellingham for a family dinner, or we visited them in Seattle for an outing. He had the Slate family sense of humor, as did my sister, Corrine, who taught in Burien.

I have always remembered Fr. Slate fondly from my childhood days at St Anne's.  He was kind and accessible at a time when most priests were a bit scary to a young girl.

I especially remember the day we had the big earthquake in 1965.  Fr. Slate was saying morning Mass.  When the canopy over the altar started swaying, Fr. Slate grabbed the host and chalice and his tall, gracefully figure was seen leaping over the altar rail in an athletic vault, chasuble flying.  It was a site to be seen.

I always loved when he came to class to teach us.  He seemed so real and made everything he taught so easy to understand.  He made it so easy to ask questions, you never felt embarrassed at not understanding something.

May he reap the rich rewards of a lifetime of serving the Lord who no doubt has received his spirit, declaring, "Well done, my good and faithful servant".

I remember Fr. Slate from when he was at St. Annes and I was a student at the school.  The tall, thin priest with the RED hair!  Very kind and gentle.

Bill was a caring, compassionate man. I am so glad that he was my cousin!

I loved my cousin for his sense of humor and his devotion to me and my family in good times and sad times.  He was a huge part of my childhood along with his twin, Bob. Your "cuz"Elaine

OBITUARY

Father William Matthew Slate

August 16, 1929 – February 12, 2015

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