Obituary of William Slater

WILLIAM (BILL) McCARTHY SLATER BE (Hons), DPC (Paris), FCSCE, P.Eng. Bill was born in New Zealand and was pre-deceased by two wonderful wives, companions and best friends; Judith Suzanne Coke (d. 1991) and Beverley (Bunny) Ann Hartwell (d. 2012). Bill leaves his fiancée and partner Sonia Banquier. Proud father to Andrew (An-Louise) and Kathleen; step-father to Alex (Carrie), Brad (Shelley) and Beth (Tom) Wylie; grandfather to Samantha, Malcolm, Ailish, Maximilian, Grant and Madeleine; step-grandfather to Jack, Brad, Sarah, Blake, Benjamin, Cole and T.J. Bill also leaves his brother Dennis (Merrill) and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Bill carried out his studies at Wellington College, Canterbury University of New Zealand, and completed post-graduate studies in Paris (France). Over the years, Bill enjoyed a wonderful career in the field of civil engineering specializing in pre-stressed concrete. His expertise in the field was well-known and he was able to be part of the many exciting projects including: the Benmore hi pressure penstocks (NZ-still a world record), CN Tower, Habitat ('67), Olympic Stadium Montreal, Confederation Bridge, Hydro Building (Toronto) and many others. Bill's other passions in life were sport and travelling. In spite of his stature, Bill played rugby, was a fierce and ranked competitive squash and tennis player and represented University of New Zealand in field hockey against the Australian Olympic team. Bill enjoyed mountaineering and trekking in New Zealand, England, France and visited over 40 countries during his travels. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 12th. A service of remembrance will be held at CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street, on Friday, November 13th at 10:00 A.M. A reception to follow at The Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto, 25 St. Clair Avenue West. At the request of the family, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre or The Salvation Army. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.