In loving memory of Patrick Slater who sadly passed away on 31st March 2024.
Born 6th March 1933 in Strood to a large family. Sisters and brothers were Freda, Bill, Ron, Sam, Charlie, Birtha and Rose
Devoted husband to Brenda Slater since 1965
Father to Paul and Elizabeth
Grandfather to Nicholle and Alexander and later Adriana (Elizabeths step-daughter)
And everyones favorite uncle!
A keen fisherman (sea fishing) with varying degrees of success, when he had time. Either fishing from a beach, from a pier and from a boat. Sometimes as a family outing, sometimes on his own or with friends.
He had a love of motorbikes and often told of his experiences with the ‘Kent 3 Star Motorcycle Club’ – it was through his motorcycle that he met Brenda in 1964. They had been ‘set up’ for her to ride pillion with him. The stars aligned and “when they had known each other a year they had been married a week”.
The first family transport was a motorbike and sidecar – when the practicalities of a car eventually won over, he gave up his bike and although never owning one, he never lost his love of 2 wheels.
Throughout his life he was a very keen gardener and liked to grow his own fruit, vegetables and flowers. He won many prizes from the various garden clubs he and mum belonged to. Sometimes those prizes were earned from just taking whatever looked good that day!
He could fix anything – Cars, pushbikes, toys, TVs and radios. He even made toys for us when we were younger – among other things - a dolls house for Elizabeth and a car garage for Paul. Also made go-carts and the best sledges in winter. He made Horse rugs from old army blankets and canvas, to help keep the horses warm in winter.
He was a man of simple taste who would sacrifice everything to provide for his family.
He was the epitome of a devoted family man with a sense of duty, integrity, honesty, strong family values a really ‘silly’ sense of humour. ‘Inspiring’ has been used many times to describe him.
During the war, as a young boy he was evacuated but ran away from the safety of his temporary home to walk home and support his mum, twice!
He helped and supported his brothers and sisters and was always there for them when needed. He used to take his niece Christine for rides on his motorbike.
He enjoyed his time in the Royal Army Medical Corps and his time in the reserves. He mentioned how he would have liked to have stayed longer but the money wasn’t great. He used his medical training during his work life and tried to help whenever he could – even helping the Vet administering injections to horses .
He loved a family gathering and always wanted more of them. Whether it was birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or Weddings.
His first child (Elizabeth) born in 1967 – he always joked he would have preferred a dog, more specifically, a Great Dane! Paul arrived in March 1969. He loved to pass on his knowledge and wisdom to his children. He taught them how to be truly independent to confidently make their own way in the world and the installed the courage to try new things for themselves without the influence of others opinions.
He loved his grandchildren – he was very proud of them. They enjoyed many outings to parks, swimming, shopping and bookshops, as well as yearly pantomimes. He taught them the same family values as he taught his own children. Affectionately known as ‘Grumpy Grandad’ to Nicholle and Alex or ‘Grandad Wise’ to Adriana. He loved those 2 nicknames and they sum up his character perfectly!
But it wasn’t just his children who benefitted from his love and generosity. His sister Rose’s daughter Michelle has many fond memories of her favourite uncle. Sitting in the garden where he would share his knowledge and tips on flowers and plants. They too enjoyed days out together and if Pat couldn’t go, he would give ‘Ice Cream money’ or ‘money to waste’ to Sophie (Michelle’s daughter). Having never met her maternal Grandfather, Michelle, Adrian and Sophie really appreciated Pats role as ‘Substitute grandad’. A role he was more than happy to fill – after all, family was always the most important thing!
He kept his silly sense of humour until the very end – whether it be balancing cushions on his head while waiting to be seated at a restaurant or naming a his team the very un-PC as ‘Hitlers Arms’ at a Fawlty Towers themed evening with himself acting as ‘Adolf’. All with hilarious consequences (as they would say in comedies of the day).
He loved nature, animals, birds, insects and flowers and loved to share his knowledge with anyone who had the time to listen.
Pat and Brenda shared many holidays together, as a family and on their own, travelling abroad on several occasions and on short cruises.
They run the Southern Water Retirement Association together, he was the chairman. He also became a member of the evacuees club.
He was highly regarded by everyone who met him and will be greatly missed.
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