Gerald Barry Slater

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald Slater of Williams Lake, BC formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba, and member of the Peguis First Nation on November 20, 2019 at the age of 53.

Gerald leaves behind his Mother Josephine Slater; Brothers Doug (Jean), Philip (Lydia), Gil (Debbie) & Ryan; Sisters Bonnie (Jeff) & Cheryl (Earl)

Nieces April, Ashley (Steve), Stacey (Gerry), Tiffany (Chris), Ainslie, & Sierra (Donny)

Nephews, Troy (Karla), Scotty (Melissa), Tristan (Kat), Doug Jr. (Jamie), Bobby-Joe (Francine), Aaron, Phil (Melissa), Jordan, Jeremy (Dana), Maurice (Nikki), Jamie, Gil Jr., Roman, Nolan, Jason (Paris), Josh (Haley) & Rain

Great Nieces Payten, Alysse, Aubrey, Lennon, Phoenix, Miley, Alara, Sarah, Sydney, River, Avrie, Nova, Jory, Hailey, Kali, Kaiis, Saige, and Mia

Great Nephews Keeven, Rylan, Lucas, Seth, Maddox, Chase, Holden, Noah, Logan, Rowen, Aidan, Andre, Avery, Koda, Karter, Kyler, and newest addition Isaiah

Gerald was predeceased by his Father Maurice Slater, Dad Welland Harper, Grandparents Albert Slater, Florence & Cecil Daniels, Jo & Mabel Thomas , Baby Camryn, best friend Jules, & Love of his life, Fred.

Gerald was currently working as the Director of Business Development at Tsideldel Development Corporation in Williams Lake, BC and was always so proud of the projects he was working on. He adored his work family just as much as they loved him.

He held many friendships with all that he came to know, a kind and loving soul who put smiles on endless faces, including those of his dearest friends Riley, Shari and Barb. Half of his heart always belonged with you all in BC.

He was a passionate and proud Indigenous man who kept his First Nations, Local Charities, and LGBTQ2S communities close to his heart.

Gerald’s advocacy, resilience and swift way with words paved ways, and

improved the lives of many. He was a true leader and champion for human kind, accepting and appreciative of everything around him. He lived to see his people believe, build, achieve, sustain and work together.

There was nothing in the world that could hold his strength back, the kind of strength that will be felt for generations to come. The courage and confidence he exuded taught us to take pride, to have a voice, to face challenges straight on and not to be afraid of change.

“Change is your friend”, he would say.

The depth of his love for his family cannot be measured, as it’s never-ending. We all meant the world to him, no matter where he was. Even though we went stretches of time apart, the minute we were all together it was like we never skipped a beat. Each relationship with him was different, special, and unforgettable.

Our big, beautiful, blended family is truly blessed to have felt his love.

Death may leave a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Pallbearers will be his siblings Doug, Philip, Gilbert, Bonnie, Cheryl & Ryan. Honorary Pallbearers are Special friends Kim & Shawna Flett, Ray & Deb Wright, Dosh Starr, and Joanne Clowes.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Winnipeg on Friday, December 6, 2019

Viewing will begin at 1:00pm and Memorial Service to follow at 2:00pm. Cremation and interment to take place with the family at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to: Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB and Dave McPherson.

Special thanks to the Peguis Chief and Council for their outpouring of support, Tsideldel Development Corporation for their kindness, hospitality and ceremony to honour Gerald, and to his Chosen Family for their memorial celebration being held in Vancouver, BC on December 15, 2019

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Vancouver Friends for Life Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in honour of Gerald.