William (Bill) Raymond Kenneth Slater

It is with profound sadness that the Slater family announces the passing of their patriarch Bill Slater.

Bill is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Tammie, grandchildren Trevin and Jenna.

Predeceased by his father Harold, mother Irene and sister Patricia.

Bill fought valiantly for many years to overcome health issues and braved the aftermath of the cancer treatments that damaged his lungs and throat. After surviving cancer, Bill continued to work and travel with his wife Kathy throughout BC, Mexico and the Caribbean for another decade.

Unfortunately, the health issues progressed over the later years and Bill was placed on a permanent feeding tube, oxygen and lost his vocal abilities. Bill maintained his communication with friends and family by using his phone to type messages or to verbalize for him. He was someone who was known for his humor and quick wit which thankfully carried on through his new way of communicating.

Bill was married to the love of his life Kathy for 54 years and they were together for 58. They shared an incredible bond and love for each other that does not end in death.

In the earlier days, Bill built his first Harley at age of 16 and later worked for Western Canada Steel until their closure in the late 1980’s. His passion for motorcycles lead the way to an awarding career and brought many strong friendships throughout his life. Bill worked as a mechanic for Trev Deeley Motorcycles before owning and operating his own shop, Future Cycle House of Speed for 30+ years. His achievements in the Harley industry were numerous including a world record for the ¼ mile with the Panic Race Team as their lead mechanic. His creation of the breathtaking “Double Decker” Harley was featured in Canadian Biker and several of his builds for customers were featured in events, magazines and top bike shows.

In his younger years Bill was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed his hobby in BC and Hawaii. He also enjoyed fishing throughout his life and at the age of 5, made Vancouver news headlines with his friend after going missing for the day. After returning home, he simply explained that they caught a bus to go fishing around Stanley Park.

Bill was unquestionably a water lover and free spirit from the start.

Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

“I am free to ride the clouds with my friends at my side and peace in my soul. When you look up towards the heavens today, smile because I am there watching over you.”

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date in West Kelowna.