John W. Slater

John W. Slater (1932 - 2015) RHINEBECK - John Wesley Slater, 83, of Ancram passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Northern Dutchess Hospital following a long battle with heart and lung ailments.

He was born February 18, 1932 in Leicester Junction, VT, the son of Lyndon and Ada (Austin) Slater. He was the 10th of the couple's 13 children.

He grew up and attended schools in Leicester Junction and vicinity and moved to New York State in 1968 to seek a new life.

A "john-"of-all-trades, Mr. Slater had many jobs throughout his lifetime. Most notably, he worked for the Town of Ancram Highway Department for 26 years, first as a truck driver, machine operator and laborer and later as the highway superintendent, a post he held for about 12 years. He retired in 1996.

In earlier years, he picked apples, was a farm worker, a logger, a marble cutter, a department store manager, a builder of Harvestore silos, drove a truck for Decker's Laundry and was the manager of the Schertz dairy farm. On March 21, 1970 in Copake, he married Stella (Miller) Slater, who survives him at home.

After retiring, Mr. Slater became an accomplished home cook, well-known for his homemade horseradish, soups and anything fried, especially "dibby doughs," which he served with a smile to everyone.

With his wife by his side, the Slaters frequented tag sales, finding irresistible bargains which now fill their home.

Mr. Slater became adept at arts and crafts, making flower arrangements, vases and baskets for weddings and holidays along with treat-filled sleighs for Christmas.

He loved family vacations and together they travelled up and down the east coast from Maine to Florida.

For the past 44-years, Mr. Slater, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and extended family took an annual Memorial Day weekend camping trip to the DAR State Park in Addison, VT. Never deterred by the weather, they visited the nearby graves of lost loved ones and spent the weekend around the campfire and fishing in Lake Champlain.

He adored his grandchildren, especially as babies, and kept them close. His family will always remember the twinkle in his eye, his mischievous smile and infectious laugh.

In addition to his loving wife, Stella, survivors include: four sons, Westley "Randy" Slater, Tony Slater, Timothy Slater, Lewis Slater; a daughter, Melissa Slater; a brother, Fred Slater; a sister, Aggie Denis; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: his first wife, Mildred (Hier) Slater; two sons, Henry "Baldy" Slater, Stanley Slater; a daughter, Crystal Lynn Slater in 2007 and 10 brothers and sisters.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 16, 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake.

The funeral service will be held Friday, April 17, 1 p.m. at the funeral home, with Deacon Jackie Jefferson officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Ancram firehouse, 1306 County Route 7, after the burial.

Memorial contributions are requested to the Ancram Fire Company, P.O. Box 8, Ancram 12502 or to the Crystal Lynn Slater Scholarship, c/o Peck & Peck Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Pine Plains 12567.

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