Kenneth Slater

Kenneth John Slater, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept 5th, 2022.

Born on March 27, 1934, in Port Arthur, Ontario, he attended Prospect Avenue Elementary School and the Technology and Commercial High School (Hillcrest High School). He took employment with the Chronicle-Journal newspaper in the printing trade where he retired after 45 years of service in December 1995. He also served as President of the CWA printing union for over 20 years and was on every negotiation committee for more than 35 years.

Ken and Marilyn were married at Trinity United Church on Sept 10th, 1955, celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Ken loved square dancing, playing soccer, broomball, curling, watching his beloved Maples Leafs, but most of all spending time with his family.

Ken started playing soccer almost as soon as he was able to walk. He became a ball boy for the senior Brent Park Soccer Team and began playing for the team at age 16, being part of two Northwestern Ontario champion senior teams. He also refereed public school soccer for over 10 years. He continued playing senior soccer for 25 years, with the majority of his career with the United Soccer Club, who officially retired his #2 jersey.

In 1968, Ken, along with the support of Marilyn, started up the first ever Labour Day Soccer Tournament. For 28 years he held the Chairman position of the Labatt’s International Soccer tournament which later became known as the Thunder Bay International Soccer Tournament.

In 1981, he earned the Chairperson of the Canada Games soccer division, and in 1993, he received the City of Thunder Bay Exceptional Achievement Award and the George Rowe Memorial Award for builder of sport.

Ken was an avid curler at the Port Arthur Curling Club. He was appointed chairman of publicity and media for the 1996 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. In 1995 he was elected second vice-president of the Northwestern Ontario Curling Association for an unprecedented second term. He served on the Board of Directors of the Port Arthur Curling Club, including two terms as President.

Ken leaves behind his children Ken Slater Jr., Kelly Daniele and Kevin Slater, son-in-law Vic Daniele, grandchildren Peter, Vanessa, Angelica and Tiffany, his sister Kathleen Matechuk, and numerous nieces, nephews and distant relatives.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, mother Mary Slater (Bonthron) and father Matthew Slater, siblings, Elizabeth “May” Laurie (Norman), Robert “Sonny” Slater (Marilyn), Janet “Jenny” Thur (Ken), Charlie Slater (Donalda) and brothers-in-law Joseph Hill and George Matechuk.

We would like to thank all the incredible staff at Pioneer Ridge for their care and compassion during Ken’s stay with you. You are all angels in this storm.

Funeral Services will be held at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, with Rev. Randy Boyd presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the service starting at 11:00 am. Those unable to attend may view the service virtually thru the Sargent & Son Facebook page. Should friends so desire donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Care Group, Heart & Stroke Foundation or Trinity United Church.