Obituary of Elton Slate

Elton Slate of Eugene, OR died October 29, 2013 as he had lived his life: putting his family first. He was able to choose to die before suffering the final stage of the dementia he had been living with so bravely for two years. With the support of his family and Hospice he died comfortably and while still able to share his last days with us. We were given the gift of saying goodbye to our beloved husband and father while he was still very much Elton. Being Elton included wielding a quick, dry wit, which he shared with us to the end.Elton was born the middle child of Emmadene Curry and Fred H. Slate in Albany, OR. His dad started a road construction firm that managed to remain in business through the Depression. Following that they built roads throughout the Northwest: in the deep woods for logging, along the coast to replace the beach “highway”, and many portions of the state and federal highway system. Elton had his first construction job with the company selling candy bars, and then learned the entire business during the summers. In 1941 at the age of 16 Elton enlisted in the army hoping to be a pilot. That was not to be (army pilots couldn’t need glasses), so he served during the war flying a typewriter in the American theater.However, the flying bug remained and Elton was able to learn to fly during his service years. After his discharge he bought a small used airplane which he flew from the east coast home to Oregon with his younger brother. That was an adventure he never forgot and loved to relate to us.After his discharge from the Army, knowing that he wanted to be in the family business, he attended OSU majoring in business with a side of geology. While there he was introduced to Dorothy Robinson (a major in Home Economics) by a cousin in her sorority. The second date included a very long wait while Dorothy tried to relieve a bad arch cramp. Elton was the soul of patience, and Dorothy was alert to that fine quality. Their third date involved a small plane trip with Elton as pilot. Dorothy also noted that propensity, but with less enthusiasm. In 1949 they married and began contributing to the baby boom: daughters Mary and Judy followed by son Jim.While Elton worked long hours during the Northwest’s short road construction season, he had free time in the off season for his varied interests. He had a home wood shop from which emerged finely crafted furniture, carved items (including a front door for the Portland business office), and art works of many kinds of materials. Elton also enjoyed involving his kids in projects and activities. His enjoyment of his children was obvious and all inclusive. Topping the list of favorite activities, and consuming thousands of hours, was the VW bug he converted into a beach buggy. He extended the front and rear fenders to create places to sit, added handles to the roof and hood and tootled down the beach at about 2 mph with children hanging on all over. Our cousins also agree that it was the best activity ever.In his late 40’s Elton and Dorothy discovered they enjoyed motor homing. Thus began a three-decades-long love of travel and wintering in Yuma, Az. They began by spending only a few weeks during the winter parked on a friend’s empty lot in the foothills, and ended up with a small house (with a wood shop). Their winter stays extended until almost half of each year was spent where “cloudiness” was often nothing more than jet trail.In 2001 after a small stroke Elton decided it was time to give up the drive to the desert, but he and Dorothy continued going south for a few more years until flying there became too difficult. In 2008 they moved to Cascade Manor, in preparation for staying together through whatever changes came with the years. Less than a month ago Elton was moved to the nursing floor, living away from Dorothy for the first time in 63 years.Elton is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Mary, son Jim and his wife Virginia, and a large and loving Griffin clan. He is preceded in death by their daughter Judy. At Elton’s request no services will be held. The family requests no flowers; remembrances may be made to Cascade Manor Foundation or Hospice of Oregon.Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com