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Teresa lit a candle
Monday, July 17, 2023
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Gary was my divorce attorney. He listened. He was kind and empathic after hearing my story. Even though it was a stressful time for me, I always felt he was listening. He took care of everything, treating me with respect and kindness. I received a very nice letter a couple of years after. He had kind word for me and complimented me about my person. No one had shown me such respect.
I received his Christmas letter for a couple of years. I remember him wanting to be at his daughter's wedding.
I think if his kindness and his kindness at a most difficult time.
RIP Gary.
Thinking of you today so I googled you and found this. Looks like you left a good memory with the people you met in life.
I feel fortunate to have met him. Some people are just that way.
S
Sarah and Tim Woodcock planted a tree in memory of Gary Slater
Friday, November 13, 2020
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In Memory of Gary, such an incredible person. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Suzy Miller posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Gary's friendship was a gift from the first day we met. Always laughing and funny, he was a joy to be around. I’ve seen many other lands with Gary. Not in person, but through his words. He was so brilliant in every respect and so articulate you felt you travelled with him. His incredible memory and knowledge of the most unusual facts always had us saying he should compete on Jeopardy. He was a dear friend, court jester and entire set of Encyclopedia Britannica in human form, all wrapped in one. Most of all he was a giant heart, wrapping friends and family in love and care. He is dearly missed, but never ever forgotten.
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Alexandra Bartos-O'Neill posted a condolence
Monday, October 12, 2020
I wish I had better words - words from my dad, Fred Bartos-O'Neill, who knew Gary better than I and who, passed away over a decade ago. I feel like I can't do justice to the impact Gary has had on my father's life and my own life. When I graduated from high school and was bound for UW, he sent me a congratulations note, photos of my dad, and Boys on the Boat, an extraordinary tale of UW's crew team. Gary inspired me. He made me feel proud of going to UW, in the way my dad likely would have made me feel if he had been around. That inspiration was also a part of my decision to go to law school at the UW as well, where I am now completing my last year. Gary had an incredible amount of kindness and thoughtfulness. I will be missing him and his letters.
J
Janet Lewis posted a condolence
Monday, September 7, 2020
Gary Slater’s life was one of kind and shared by so many people in the world. Medical science kept one step ahead of Gary’s medical problems and as everyone knows, Robin and Erin were the reasons he fought so hard to live. It was humbling to see him carry on his medical battle with such grace and dignity.
I, like many others, feel so grateful to have been able to call Gary my friend. His care and concern for others was remarkable, as was his memory. If you wondered about a book or an author, Gary could give you a complete rundown about either one immediately. Likewise, his knowledge of all places in the world was second to none. Gary’s Christmas letter, which arrived right after Thanksgiving, was eagerly awaited each year. It was full of facts, wit and cherished information. His command of the English language and his linguistic style rivaled Winston Churchill’s.
Someone once said that a person dies twice, once when they quit breathing and again if people quit saying his name. Gary’s name will be said by his multitude of friends and family for generations.
J
James Hill uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 4, 2020
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Golf - at Elkhorn Golf Club, Sun Valley ID and at Mt Carmel Junction, UT. September, 1983
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James Hill uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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First trip to Manhattan! ca. summer, 1982.
Photo 1 is on the steps of the United Nations where Gary is getting ready to re enact the Nikita Khrushchev 1960 shoe banging incident.
Photo 2 is self explanatory. (Hey......we were young and giddy because we were both absolutely enthralled with Manhattan!)
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James Hill uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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Road trip to the SW U.S. in September, 1983. Here are shots from the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. Fun trip! We covered a lot of ground that trip.
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James Hill uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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This is so typical travelling with Gary. I knew little of the Basque Separatist movement before I went to Spain, but Gary was happy to explain the whole thing to me (as well as educate me on the history of fascism in Spain - ie. Franco, Spanish Civil war, etc.).
When we saw the graffiti of the Basque separatist organization ETA - Euskadi Ta Askatasuna - (even though they were terrorists), I had to get a shot of Gary by it
J
James Hill uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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Not sure on the back story on this one. Gary knew the owner of this restaurant from a prior meeting. I am not sure if Gary met him in Toledo, Spain, .....or maybe in Israel? Gary carried around a National Geographic article which featured this gentleman. When they met up again, Gary was very happy that they guy remembered him. Both Jeff Weers and I had to get of picture of them. (Jeff is just off to the right of the picture.) Maybe he knows the whole story.
(The guy in the visor was just some random American we met as we walked around Toledo that day.)
J
James HIll uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
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A shot outside of his office circa August 1982. I was impressed with his name on the building. Hey....I see Tom Sabin's name, too!
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james hill uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
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Gary was so happy he ran with the bulls in Pamplona (July, 1982)
When he and Jeff flew back to Seattle he had to wear his Pamplona outfit on the plane. He told me later he got some very strange looks when they arrived at the SeaTac airport. Really? Hard to believe.
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James Hill posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
I met Gary in 1974 when we worked together at the Hyatt House by Seattle Tacoma Airport for several years (along with Jim Miller, Mark Slater, Jeff Weers and a host of others) I am amazed that we still talk about those days!
Gary instilled in me a love of travel and just being around him helped me develop an open mind and liberal view of the world. We had many great trips in the early 80's - Europe (with Jeff W.), East Coast US, SW US and a couple of cross country drives. There were several times when my wife, Leigh Ann, would suggest a trip somewhere.....and I would have to reply "I have already been there with Gary." Great memories for sure!
Over the last few decades, life got in the way, and we have not kept in touch as much as I wanted to. Luckily, over the last couple of years we have been able to reconnect a bit. I am so, so happy that I got to see him (and other crew members, too) at Erin's wedding.
Over the last year or so it has always been fun hearing his views on the current administration, the state of the world, etc. I will certainly miss those texts, forwards, etc. The Christmas cards, too.
I also cannot imagine how strong Gary has been in his battle with the Big C. Kudos to Robin and Erin for helping him over the many years and being at his side.
So Gary, I am looking forward to seeing you on the Blue Highways of the next life. May you rest in peace. You deserve it!
Jim Hill
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BCT posted a condolence
Sunday, August 30, 2020
I met Gary over 35 years ago in the crowded Family Law Department in room W-355 of King County Superior Court. We were seated at the front table and out of frustration started reciting the opening lines to the Tale of Two Cities. Over the course the next many years I realized that Gary and I not only shared many of the same views on politics and life, but that he was a brilliant, respectful and kind gentleman in and outside the courtroom. Gary Slater was a wonderful husband and father. I was in awe of him as the only attorney I know who was sworn into the Supreme Court of the United States by Justice Thurgood Marshall.
It was an honor and a privilege to receive his thought provoking Christmas Cards.
Once I retired, we texted each other almost daily. (I miss this activity...)
I will miss you Gary and carry you with me in my heart as I vote
BCT
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Kim Wailes lit a candle
Saturday, August 29, 2020
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Words cannot express the sorrow that I feel with Gary's passing. I sit here, with tears running down my cheeks, struggling with these words.
Gary was SO much more than my boss for 34 years; he was family. I admired and respected him so very much and am thankful that I took the time to tell him just that on several occasions. He was an extremely kind and generous soul, who took such pride in everything that he did.
I remember just how excited he was to marry the love of his life, Robin. She has been through so very much with Gary's battle, and was always positive that he was going to beat it. I know how very much he loved her!
I remember the excitement that Gary and Robin shared when Erin was born, she was so tiny! Gary held her in his arm, and she was no bigger than a football! He loved watching Erin play fastpitch and they traveled near and far for her games. I can remember his excitement. He was so very proud of her! I remember when the two of them went to President Obama's inauguration!
His Christmas letters were, without question, always eagerly anticipated by so many. I will forever miss his much loved, and appropriate quotes that accompanied his many missives. I remember, quite vividly, how he told me that he wanted to one day be President of the United States. That was, of course, many, many years ago! He was always so thoughtful, sending me articles that he thought I would enjoy reading. Seahawks football is never going to be the same for me. We would always text back and forth during the game about this play, or that play, and "Did you see that?" I remember when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and his tale of the "Man from Tennessee." Listening to him tell me that story, made the hair on my arms stand up and gave me goose bumps. The "Man from Tennessee" I believe, helped give Gary the fortitude and wherewithal to continue his courageous battle. When Gary was first diagnosed, his goal was to see Erin graduate from high school. Then it was to see her graduate from college. Gary was able to realize those goals, as well as to dance the father-daughter dance at Erin's wedding.
I know how very tired he was at the end of his journey. He had given his all, he fought the "good fight."
I have always been honored to say that I worked for Gary R. W. Slater! He was one of the best family law attorneys in the South Sound. He gave his all for his clients. I remember when we shut down the office 4 years ago, how so many of his clients, both past and current, were saddened to learn that he was closing up his practice. Gary was more than "just an attorney;" he really cared about his clients and they knew that. To this day, I have former clients reach out to me, wanting to know how he is doing and what he might recommend they do, or who he might recommend they use. Gary and I have discussed several times over these last 4 years how there just aren't many left like him in the legal field.
To say that I will miss my dear friend, is so very inadequate. I have struggled with what to say here, for words just cannot express how much he meant to me. Much love to Robin and Erin.
J
Jim Miller uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
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I met Gary in 1973 when I was 18 years old. We were busboys at the 24/7 coffee shop at the Hyatt Hotel at SeaTac Airport. Gary and I struck up a friendship almost immediately, an enduring friendship that lasted 47 years. It was also later at the Hyatt we met Jim Hill and Jeff Weir. Gary’s brother, Mark, would later join the team.
During our single years, Gary and I did a lot together. We took a notable road trip in 1981 when we drove to California to attend the Rose Bowl (Huskies vs Michigan). Even Bill “The Beer Man” made his grand entrance into the parking lot, sticking his head out of a roof opening of a large Grey Hound type bus. Huskies lost, but to be there in person was amazing. We went to Disneyland for a day, and also drove to Ensenada, Mexico. We went to Hussong’s Cantina as Gary heard this was a famous bar. The place was packed with people from the world over. We met a couple from Norway who were so friendly, we began buying shots of tequila for one another. Getting up the next morning was painful, but I drove us back to Studio City where my sister lived. Her girlfriend had connections and got us tickets to see Johnny Carson. It was so special to be in his live studio audience and see how the actual show operated behind the scene.
In the early 80s Gary invited me to play golf for the first time. We played at Tumwater Valley in Olympia and I shot a 144. I took lessons after that and developed a love for golfing with Gary and friends. I was fortunate to have played in all of Gary’s “Benjamin Braddock Best Ball” golf tournaments over the years.
We always had a bet on our golf matches. Once in his BBBB tournament, I lost by 10 strokes at $10 per stroke. Another bet was the loser would pay the winner $200 to purchase wine to share with friends. I won and, using Gary’s $200, purchased 2 bottles of red wine to share with friends at our house for dinner.
Gary was intelligent and a bit eccentric. In public, he did some things that would be embarrassing to most people, just to get a laugh out of everyone. Once, a group of us went to a Billy Joel concert at the Seattle Coliseum. Gary and I were going up the stairs to our seats. Some friends of ours were already seated and did not see Gary coming. Gary pretended to trip on the step and landed in their laps. Scared them to death, but then they realized it was Gary and we could not stop laughing.
Other times when we were in a bar having drinks, someone would put on an Elvis Presley song. Gary would jump out of his seat and go into his Elvis Presley gyrations. The looks on other bar patrons’ faces were priceless. The most surprising thing was Gary’s Elvis moves were incredibly good!
Later, Gary met the love of his life, Robin and they married. Then along came Erin, his daughter. Erin was Gary’s everything.
When Gary was diagnosed with cancer, he never once said, why me. He only expressed his goal that he would see Erin graduate high school. He succeeded in that goal, so set another: he vowed to see Erin graduate college. Once again he triumphed, so set yet another goal: to walk his daughter down the aisle. He was victorious yet again, and in 2018 Gary escorted Erin to her groom, James. At Erin’s and James’s wedding we had a Hyatt Hotel bus boy reunion. Gary, his brother Mark, Jim Hill, Jeff Weir and I were in attendance. We all celebrated Erin’s new beginnings and our shared old times. Gary fought a valiant battle with his cancer and in so many ways, he won. His accomplishments in life were remarkable.
A special thank you to Robin and Erin for their loving care of Gary during his illness. I know it was not easy, especially when you are working full time.
Gary, until we meet again dear friend and brother, rest in peace.
Jim Miller
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Mark Tomski posted a condolence
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Gary was an unique individual. I am glad to have known him. I enjoyed playing in the annual BBBB, but especially Gary’s thoughtful and hilarious way of presenting the theme of the year of the tournament as Master of Ceremonies. He was an outlier, not only in his cancer survival statistics, but in his approach to life, both pre and post diagnosis.
We will all miss his wit, charm and beingness.
RIP.
B
Bill Olson lit a candle
Saturday, August 22, 2020
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Robin, Erin, Gary's brothers and All His Friends:
My long message of my memories with Gary (longer than Gary's Xmas cards) somehow got lost in cyberspace; so, here is the short version.
Gary and I were friends for 44 years, since 1976. The memories are very special to me. Gary had an unmatched eccentric charm. His ever present impish grin always made me laugh whenever I saw him.
I am terribly saddened by his passing. Robin, you really help shape his life and gave him a reason to be more grounded. Erin, he was so very proud of you.
RIP Gary. You left an indelible mark on this world.
Bill Olson
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Tom Sabin posted a condolence
Friday, August 21, 2020
Gary Slater was a gentle giant
Not that he was a particularly large man. He was somewhat quiet and unassuming when you first met him. But everywhere he went he accumulated friends. One of his first passions was travel. Consequently, he had friends worldwide. Not the “I met this guy once in Australia” but real friends. The type of friend that he would spends hours talking to or with whom he would send multi page letters. Everyone of those friends would give anything they have for Gary to still be here.
As a friend he was an “all in” guy. To our family he was a best friend that would do anything for me and was the person I would go to for solutions to problems. He was “Uncle Gary” to my daughter and the cute cuddly brother that my wife never had. To help my daughter he mailed a copy of a sports article written about my daughter as a sophomore to every Division I college softball coach in the country putting her on their recruiting radar.
For as long as I knew him Gary was always learning new things. He read extensively. Where ever he travelled he would find something new to see and learn. Everywhere he would go there was always a historical connection nearby. For four years every spring, Erin’s college softball team would go to Florida for a week of games. The first year on a day off we took Erin and friends to Disney World. The second year on the day off, instead of taking the players to Disneyworld he wanted to go to Homosassas Springs to see the manatees. I had to convince him to take the players to Disney World and we went to the manatees later.
Throughout the time I knew Gary, he would get frustrated, but I never witnessed him demonstrate anger outwardly, except on the golf course. Over the years I witnessed Gary make presentations to the court. He was always very soft spoken without allowing emotion into his voice. Gary taught me the game of golf and we enjoyed it as a get away from the pressure of the legal system. One time we were golfing in Phoenix, he was on the other side of a knoll. As I was lining up my shot, Gary took his shot, not hitting it well. As I started my swing there was a loud “RICHARD CRANIUM” shout from the knoll.
When I met Gary over forty years ago he was looking for a normal life. He wanted a life partner and spent some time before he finally found Robin. After years of a happy marriage, he found that they were pregnant and he was as happy as he could be. From that time forward he was dedicated to Erin. There were a lot of family trips to locations of some president’s house etc. And when Erin started softball there were the weekend trips to all the garden spots of the Northwest every weekend. He loved watching Erin play ball, including her time at college. Gary and I would schedule a travel weekend to watch the Huskies play on the road. Erin was always included to view colleges near where we stayed. It became a fun weekend for the three of us. Gary was devoted to Erin who was his pride and joy.
Then he received the news that he had pancreatic cancer. His big wish at that time was to be able to see Erin graduate from high school. He read everything he could find to find out about that disease. In dealing with disease, he even had a long telephone conversation with Steve Jobs surrounding pancreatic cancer. Not only did he fight long enough to see her graduate from high school, MacAlister college, and graduate school at Miami of Ohio. He was even a proud poppa watching his daughter meet James and get married.
When a person passes away his or her life is often measured by what he left behind. Gary Slater left behind a great wife, and a fantastic daughter. He also leaves behind a stellar reputation for honesty, work ethic, a love of the legal system, a love of knowledge and a large number of friends. To my knowledge there was nobody who did not like Gary. In my case, I have lost a good friend, my daughter her “uncle Gary”, and my wife a good friend and honorary little brother.
Gary Slater was a gentle giant of a man, and will leave a whole in the lives of all who knew him.
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Sophie Rothmyr lit a candle
Thursday, August 20, 2020
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I got to know on Sunday the 9th of August, evening my time, that Gary had passed away that morning. His body was just too tired.
Even thought the news was expected, I still felt a huge loss.
Later that night I was comforted by a dream.
Gary and I were in the same room. He had to travel somewhere and I was helping him pack.
Suddenly he was in a hurry and kept asking me to pack more quickly. I told him that he had plenty of time to catch his flight, I was nearly done. I tried to calm him down, hoped he would give me even just a few minutes more. But then he hugged me and said good bye.
He ran out of the door into a big open field. Soon I could only see his face in front of me, getting bigger and bigger, with a big smile. I still wanted him to wait, but suddenly he disappeared and I was left standing there alone.
I realized that was a sign, of him saying ‘goodbye’!
The next morning, I woke up with a big smile.
Thank you Gary,
For being my pen friend for the last 35 years.
For sending me Western magazines during the 80s while they were still forbidden in China;
For inviting me to your wedding even though I had no chance to attend;
For letting me know you became a dad to Erin;
For recommending me the books you’ve read;
For telling me about your work;
For sharing your trips over the years with me;
For letting me be part of your fight with your illness;
For inspiring me with your strength and stubbornness during that time;
For letting me meet you in Seattle, finally, even just for only one time, almost three years ago;
I will miss you, Gary, but am grateful that your memory has filled my life with happiness.
I will always remember you. ❤️
D
David Orr lit a candle
Thursday, August 20, 2020
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I met Gary over 40 years ago in law school. After the second year we both interned working for the King County Prosecutor. During that summer we worked side by side and often went out to lunch, or went to "happy hour" after work. I became a friend and found out he never let a friend go for lack of effort. He maintained a group of close friends he met in prior years working for the Hyatt House.
Every year he widened his circle of friends. He started The Sting, a group of friends and friends of friends playing in the King County softball league. He started his own golf tournament, the Benjamin Braddock Best Ball (BBBB), which he kept up annually for over 30 years
A few years later, in 1988, I introduced Gary to Robin, the sister of my girlfriend, Susie, and he became hooked. The next year we married the sisters and became brothers-in-law. Erin joined the party a few years later, and Gary became a devoted father.
Throughout this entire period Gary was the communicator that kept his circle of friends together. His Christmas cards were legendary.
I will miss my friend and my brother greatly.
Roland Davis uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
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One of the many letters Gary sent out to the parents and donors to our softball team. My grandmother couldn't wait to get her letter every month. She loved the way Gary described games, how they were written and the "big words" he used when describing highlights from the game. My grandmother couldn't get around, so Gary's letters was a godsend. She would sit down at her table with a cup of coffee and read. I let Gary know her sentiment and he just smiled. Thank you Gary, for everything! You will be missed but everything you wanted to do before you left this earth you did. My last face to face conversation was wanting to walk Erin down the aisle, Check!!! Love you Gary, Robin and Lumber!
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Beth lit a candle
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
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Gary was always Uncle Gary to me. And a closer uncle than I had by blood. It is hard to put into words how special of a person he was, and the profound impact he had on others. Uncle Gary cared deeply about those around him. His curiosity, compassion, and inquisitive nature drew people to him. I walked away from every conversation a little bit better person: more knowledgeable, more compassionate, more open minded. I looked forward to our talks and continue to strive to live up to his standards.
When I was in high school, I played softball competitively and had a newspaper article written about me entitled "Fastpitch Phenom". Uncle Gary, knowing I wanted to play softball collegiately, sent that article to every Division One school in the country. I ended up getting recruited by multiple of those Division One schools and chose to matriculate at Harvard and play Division One softball there. Who knows if that would have happened without his actions? He didn't just know what I wanted, but acted on it in concrete, definitive, meaningful ways. Uncle Gary embodied not just compassion and intellect, but action to bring around the life he and those around him wanted. It was one of the many things that made him such a special and unique person.
I will continue to strive to live up to his ideals. To take action to drive towards the better world he wanted. To honor him in my actions and words every day. It is Uncle Gary in my head when I make a connection with a stranger, invest in mentoring and growing others, and continue to fight to make the world 1% better every day. He will continue to live through those he touched. I am thankful to have had the honor to call him uncle. I will miss him deeply.
Z
Zelma posted a condolence
Sunday, August 16, 2020
From a chance meeting between a young American and a young Cameroonian on public transportation between London and Oxford in the UK about four decades ago, a precious lifelong friendship grew and developed to embrace their two families. Gary was a beautiful soul, kind, gentle, considerate, open minded, worldly, loyal and unencumbered by the ugly prejudices of race, nationality or religion that have so much polarized the world around us. He loved meeting new people as a bridge to build new friendships and as an opportunity to learn about new experiences or cultures. He loved to read and frequently introduced us to books or articles about Cameroon or Africa we had not been aware of. His brilliant, incisive legal mind demanded of us to be prepared when we spoke or exchanged messages. Our friendship was always an enriching experience because Gary always added a special touch to memorialize special moments, holidays and trips. In fact, my family always looked forward to his unique and inspirational Christmas messages. My family will forever cherish the unforgettable visit Gary and his wonderful daughter Erin made to our home in North Potomac, Maryland in 2013. Gary being Gary, we talked about everything and he was excited about trying some of our African cuisine. When we discovered that Erin had studied in France, I exchanged a few sentences with her.
We would like to conclude this special tribute in memory of Gary by highlighting the strength of his character in times of adversity. When his cancer was first diagnosed, and despite the grim prospects, he did not break down and give up. Instead, he got to work, learning as much as he could about the disease and researching and trying any promising therapies that could keep him alive as long as possible for his beloved family and many friends. Gary being Gary, his determination and hands on positive outlook helped him beat the odds and survive the deadly pancreatic cancer for a precious thirteen years. Gary is no longer with us and we miss him a lot but his beautiful life left an indelible impact and wonderful memories we will celebrate until we meet again. Rest In Perfect Peace .
Sammy and Zelma Buo
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Shelby and Bill Poole planted a tree in memory of Gary Slater
Sunday, August 16, 2020
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Sent with love and remembrance, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Odelya Toledano Tzurel lit a candle
Sunday, August 16, 2020
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I was 7 years old.
I could not understand a word Gary wrote to me.
We have been told that American Jews will write letters to us, and someone in the middle will translate their letters to Hebrew.
Each one of the pupils received a letter.
My letter was from a young guy named Gary Slater. He lives in Washington DC. He once visited Israel in the past, and he liked it.
I wrote back. Not a lot. Sometimes, I missed more than a year. I was a child.
But Gary never missed a holiday. Every Rosh Hashana, every Hanukah. Sometimes even Passover. always a postcard with warm words. Always "Shalom" at the end of the letter. In Hebrew letters.
As time went by, I received pictures of Gary getting Married. Gary and Robin are giving birth to Erin. Gary, Robin and Erin are on a vacation. I felt as part of this new young family.
Then it stopped. I received a letter with the Gary's address, saying the Jewish confederation will not translate our letters anymore. We may continue our correspondence without them.
I was 12. I was sure I will not be able to communicate in English. All my friends stopped receiving letters. But not me. Gary continued writing. A postcard every Rosh Hashana, every Hanukah. I hardly replied. Buying envelopes, stamps, sending letters at the post office. It was not for me. My savior was the invention of E-mail.
I finally could answer in English and without the post office!
On 2003 I had a chance. I had the time, the money, the will, and the energy to visit the US. I wrote Gary it is about to happen. I think we can actually meet face to face for the first time!
I had an interview in the US embassy. Winds of war were in the air, but I had hope. Unfortunately, my hopes had been shuttered. The second gulf war began, and the United States had flatly refused all visa applications from all Middle Easterners. I stayed in Israel. The option to travel to the US was never raised again.
I cannot say I wrote many emails over the years. But I did my best.
I shared my wedding. My divorce. And wedding again. I shared pictures of my little ones.
Since Gary shared that he was sick, but fighting, we both wrote more than holiday wishes. Gary shared his treatments, his thoughts, his wishes. He loved to analyze the situation in the middle east and give his own opinion regarding the situation at that moment (it is the middle east. You never know what will happen a moment later…)
The last time he wrote, I understood the cancer is back again. Gary is fighting again. Surgeries and hospitalization again. I prayed for his recovery and lit a candle.
It is so weird to feel so much pain for the loss of someone you have never met. To truly identify with the pain of his wife and daughter.
From the letters, the pictures, I could see how dedicated he was to his family. It was clearly well visible, beyond the Atlantic ocean.
I know that I, who never saw him, will miss his letters, his holidays postcards. I will miss his four pages in dense writing, describing all the experiences of the Slater family in the past year, usually accompanied with a photo of the family members, smiling on one of the annual vacations.
The fact that he wrote to me for 36 (!) years, that he insisted of having this connection, makes me think that even though he believed all people are equal, and even he was never religious, he had a warm corner in his heart for his Judaism and for Israel and he saw in this connection of ours, his personal connection to our people and country.
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Murray Hamilton posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, August 14, 2020
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Always enjoyed my visits with Gary. One of the best was a few years ago when he invited me down from Vancouver to watch the Huskies play Stanford in a woman's fast pitch game. Fellow Canadian Danielle Lawrie was on the hill and in the bottom of the 7th with the Huskies trailing by 1, she came to bat with a runner on 2nd base. As we crossed our fingers, she sent the first pitch she saw over the center field wall to end the game! What a memory! It was almost as if he had scripted it. Gary was a most interesting man and what a fighter!! I'll certainly miss him. Murray Hamilton.
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Debbie Bulie posted a condolence
Friday, August 14, 2020
I was saddened to learn about cousin Gary's passing. He bravely fought his battle. Even though we lived miles apart, I have many fond memories of him. As a youngster, I noticed how very smart he was at answering adult questions on a quiz show. I'm guessing he was around 5 years old. When his family lived at Friday Harbor, we visited once when we were kids and I enjoyed walking around the hills with him. He brought his water canteen which I got a kick out of. Several years ago I mentioned the canteen and of course, he remembered. As a kid, he loved getting mail. Apparently, I wrote to him and he told me that getting mail from Egeland, ND was a big deal to him !!! Little did I know. Gary was very good to his Aunts. He always took time out of his busy schedule to have lunch or visit with them. They were silly and made him laugh.I can still hear him say, "Oh, Auntie Alma." At one time, Gary was very fond of Mickey Mouse and carried him around where ever he went also carried a little hatchet. I used to tease him about it and he would just laugh. I'm glad he is no longer suffering, but will forever miss him. RIP Gary.
Our deepest sympathy to Robin, Erin, and James.
Love, Ken and Debbie Hall Bulie
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Sharon Olson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 13, 2020
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Every Husky football game that we watch, we will always be thinking of Gary! Gary was a one-of-a kind person that you meet in your life! We are so blessed that we had so many years of friendship. So many amazing conversations, talk of books, politics, and, my favorite, travel! Gary taught us all how to enjoy every moment of life, and Gary lived his life to the fullest. Bill & Sharon
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Thursday, August 13, 2020
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Rggrocket@rocketmail.com posted a condolence
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Gary was a truly amazing man, and I will hold a special place in my heart for him. I met him as my boss, but he became much more than that to me. He was compassionate, wise, with the highest level of integrity, and I was so fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor. Gary fought the good fight, battling his illness with tremendous strength and courage. May he Rest In Peace.
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Rachel Gronsky planted a tree in memory of Gary Slater
Thursday, August 13, 2020
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With loving memories of "Gary Slater", from our family, Joel and Rachel Gronsky Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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theresa rodriguez posted a condolence
Thursday, August 13, 2020
We were very sad to hear about Gary. He had a great skill of being able to talk to anybody no matter where they were from. He also had such a kindness to him. We are so sorry to hear that he lost the battle but have no doubt that he fought valiantly. Our condolences to your family. John & Theresa Rodriguez
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Teresa Roberts lit a candle
Thursday, August 13, 2020
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There are no words to express how heartbroken I was to hear of your passing. I know you fought long and hard battle and your incredible Journey was inspiring to those around you. When I first met you you had just been diagnosed. Your concern was your wife and your daughter. You told me and others you wanted to see Erin graduate and then you wanted to see her get married… I’m so happy you were blessed with both! You were an incredible boss, insanely smart, your opponents feared you and your colleagues admired you! I feel blessed to have known you and you will be sorely missed! Sending my love to your wife and your daughter.
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Dan Buehler uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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Gary, you were the dearest of friends. You managed to introduce me to the two significant passions in my life: my wife, and a love of travel. That somehow happened simultaneously while exploring Oz Down Under. You also managed to routinely bring together an incredible group of friends. Thank you for your heartfelt contributions, your patience with this unrepentant conservative, your personalized Christmas cards over the years with all the apropos quotes, and your genuine joie de vivre. You made us all better people. The photo attached is a tribute to your ability to bring people together and cement relationships. It is not an accident that you are in the center. Godspeed, my friend.
Ray Acardo posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Gary was so kind, and compassionate to me, when we spoke many years ago, after I was diagnosed with the same type of pancreatic cancer that he had. He took time out of his busy schedule to offer advice, and words of encouragement, which I have never forgotten. I'm so sorry to hear that he has passed away. May Gary know eternal life, and peace. May God provide his family and friends with strength and comfort, at this sorrowful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray Acardo
Baton Rouge, LA
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Mike Buckolz uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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I'm very sad to hear Gary passed away after his long, and courageous battle with cancer. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Slater family and friends. I knew Gary from the days of our youth in Junior High and High School. He was always friendly, kind, and positive. I thought that Gary was destined to perhaps become a sports writer because he wrote articles about our summer baseball team for the local Federal Way News. Gary was only going to be a sophomore in high school at this time and was able to capture the game highlights like a veteran. Gary's sports stories continued to follow his fellow classmates after college. I still have those game summaries and a short article he wrote about me when I played basketball at Highline College.
In later years my family enjoyed his detailed, well written holiday letters that shared his many stories. The last time I saw Gary was perhaps twelve years ago at the State basketball tournament in Tacoma. He was still enjoying the high school sporting scene and was sharing the action with his daughter Erin.
I have included a picture of our Sea-Tac baseball team from the summer of 68. Gary is on the far left standing next to Coach Mingori. I am standing in the back row, third from the right. As you might expect, Gary was a wonderful teammate and I'm certain, selfless to the end. RIP. Mike Buckholz FW Class of 71
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Kerry Schuster posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss, and to receive this news. I met Gary when I had just graduated high school, and we each got a summer job working as file clerks at a downtown Seattle Title company, more than 45 years ago! We took to each other immediately, worked again together the following summer, then saw each other from time-to-time at the U.W. We looked forward to getting his hand written Christmas cards each year. We will miss him. Our prayers are with his family today.
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Mark Slater posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Gary was a great brother and an even greater friend. We shared our opinions and world views to each other. Remarkably similar always. We spent many summer days playing baseball, we’d get enough kids together to have nine on each side. He never minded, in fact encouraged me, the younger brother to play. Always with incredible encouragement and support. Whenever I needed help with anything Gary was there. We invented games as kids and would play them for hours. Gathering enough money to buy a box of baseball cards and praying it was a new batch as we rode our bikes to the “BenFranklin” to make the purchase was a really big deal. As we grew older we weren’t in contact much having our own families to raise. I cherish all our text messages these past several years we shared. As Gary said “ we are now just a couple of old farts texting all day.” I can’t even begin to express the heartache I feel as I will so dearly miss those almost daily communications. Love you Gary and thanks for being you.
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Mark Slater planted a tree in memory of Gary Slater
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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You are the brother all others would dream of having. Thoughtful, caring, loyal. We shared many memories as brothers. Thanks for being you. Love you Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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Tuesday, August 11, 2020
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