Arnold Bruce Slade

Arnold passed away peacefully on March 2 2017. Dad was born in Toronto ON on March 28, 1931. Dad grew up like so many Canadian boys, playing hockey and baseball and golf. As a young man Dad worked for the post office and the Dominion bank and in 1953 joined the RCAF and began a 25 year career in the Air Force. At the time Dad also had his eye on his future bride, Audrey Pattison also from Toronto. Audrey was finishing her Nursing diploma in Guelph and Dad his basic training in the Canadian Air Force. With career goals established they were married February 13, 1954. First posting, Portage la Prairie MB ... a long way from Toronto! Dad’s career took our growing family from Portage la Prairie MB to Marville France, to North Bay ON and Moose Jaw SK and finally Trenton ON. Along the way our family expanded to include 5 children. Dad loved to travel and was always up for an adventure. The Air Force accommodated by posting Dad to Marville, France. Perfect for Dad and Mom and they took every opportunity to load up the kids and the camping gear to go explore another country. Dad enjoyed gardening and wherever we lived we soon had fresh garden veggies. Dad’s lifelong passion though was golf. He kept score cards of golf courses he played from Europe to Vancouver Island. His favorite time to golf was in the evenings, when the wind had died down, and the heat of the day had passed, he would enjoy the quiet solitude of the evening air and walk the course and tinker with his game. Dad was supportive of any activity his children participated including swimming lessons, boy scouts, and all recreation sports. Our family camping trips left a lasting impression as we all enjoy the outdoors and summer evenings around the campfire. In 1978 Dad retired from the Air force and started a 13 yr career as a conductor with CP Rail in Moose Jaw. Mom resumed her nursing career and they settled into a new routine. Grandchildren were arriving and Dad and Mom embraced each new arrival to our growing family. They purchased a cottage at Mistusinne on Lake Diefenbaker and for the next 25 years it was our family gathering place. Dad was an ordinary man of his time, he worked hard, he came home every night, he was honest, he lived within his means, he loved his family and he was a proud Canadian. Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and never missed Sunday Mass. Dad’s unconditional love for Mom never wavered though she left this earth 2 years ago. He will be missed by children, Phil (Brenda) Slade, Peter Slade, Cathy Slade and Patrick Slade. Grandchildren Kerri Norman, Sarah(Cory) Towriss, Ashley (Derek) Blanch, Marc (Colleen) Slade, Haley Slade, Stephanie (Travis) Slade, Grady Slade, Kennan Slade, Bryson Slade as well as 9 Great grandchildren. Dad was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Audrey, his parents Harry and Joan Slade, sister Gloria Temple, son Paul Slade and granddaughter Paige Norman. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Misfeldt for her kindness to both Mom and Dad over the years. As well, a special thanks to the Staff and neighbours at Luther Tower and the nursing staff at St. Paul’s hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The War Amps of Canada.