• Sep. 15, 2009
Saying Goodbye
There are not many men I would equate with the greatness I reserved for my own dad, but there is one. Today we are attending the funeral of a man who wore many different uniforms. He was a farmer, friend, teacher, high school principal, football coach, mentor, custom harvester and more. He took my oldest son under his wing after my first dh died and my son will tell you if it weren't for this man he would have gotten in more trouble growing up than he did.
The man was hard, but fair. He also didn't make a mountain out of a mole hill. He knew his battles from a war. He also knew how to handle teens, especially teen boys. Not many men could take a whole crew of teenage boys custom harvesting for the summer without having all kinds of heck brake loose, but this man did.
He let the boys call him Jim during the summer, but during the school year it was back to Mr. Slater. He didn't get easily upset over things, but if he did he let you know. Firmly without belittling. I remember he had an old antique automobile he used to get out and drive around. We always got a kick out of seeing him in that old car. Teenagers around here for years have went out to drag race on what is known as Junk Yard Road. Well Mr. Slater lives on Junk Yard Road, in fact right about where the racing line starts. I have a mustang convertible that every once and awhile I get out for a spin.
Like many who drive a car with a lot of power I was born with two lead feet, so I kind of get a kick out of a bit of speed. Not constantly, but just for a bit for the rush. Now you know one of my secrets! Anyway one day I had the car out and had taken it North of town as far as Junk Yard Road. Just before I got there Mr. Slater pulled up to the stop sign and after stopping turned onto the highway. I turned around at the corner and stepped on the gas and with a wave of my hand went flying around Mr. Slater's car. He just laughed and waved a great big wave.
Several years later when he retired what do you think he bought for himself? A Corvette!!! We all got a kick out of seeing him driving his vette around town and once in a great while he would Get On It!
I can only imagine all the things Mr. Slater saw or heard or was told in all the years he was a teacher, coach, principal and custom harvester. All the boys he coached, taught, or took on harvest and mentored. He taught my first dh and my second dh and my oldest son. He was my high school principal, both of my dh's and my oldest children's. My first dh thought very highly of him and when we laid him to rest Mr. Slater was a pallbearer.
After sixty-five years on this earth he was called home last Friday. Today we say our goodbyes, but more than that we share our thanks and celebrate the man he was. No words will ever be enough, saying thanks cannot express enough the enfluence and esteem with which we regard you. You left a legacy and we will always remember that you were more than just talk. When many these days are afraid to act you put your convictions into action and you cared for people. You made a difference in my life and those I love. Thank you Mr. Slater, you were a Great Man. The man may be gone, but the Legacy lives on! Long live his memory.
