It is with much grief and sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ken Slater on December 25th, 2020. Ken died of natural causes in his home in Wasilla, Alaska.
Ken was born on October 10, 1949. He was raised on the Central Coast of California and graduated from California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo. Working his way through college, Ken worked on a ranch, picked strawberries in the fields, mended fences, and worked on a road crew. Having grown up in California, he had a wonderful affinity with nature. During his youth he surfed the waves of California and rode his ten speed up the grapevine. He enjoyed camping and fly-fishing in the streams and rivers of California, and again in Alaska with his parents, Steve and Dottie.
After graduation he followed in his father’s footsteps and began a long career in sales. His jovial laugh, intellect, and the ability to carry a conversation with nearly anyone made Ken a very successful salesperson. He eventually moved to Alaska as one of the first regional sales representatives for the company Lorillard, creating new territory with great success.
Ken found his true home when he moved to Alaska. He enjoyed learning about the history of the Indigenous tribes of North America, and especially enjoyed discovering and sharing stories about the Inuit people of Alaska. He never stopped appreciating the majestic beauty of Alaska and could often be found sitting on his porch enjoying the view.
Ken was known as someone that was willing to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike in times of need. He looked out for his community, always. His second family of neighbors and friends affectionately referred to him as the neighborhood “Watchdog”.
He loved animals, but always claimed he didn’t much like cats and was more of a “dog guy”, as he had a wonderful dog that he raised from a puppy named Buster. After Buster passed, it left a hole in his heart. So he adopted a stray cat that kept coming to his door in Wasilla and named her Cody. Everyone in the community knew Cody and they now continue to take care of her in Ken’s honor.
Much like his father, Steve Slater (deceased), Ken could not pass up a long drive on a country road, nor pulling over to enjoy a picnic as he often did with his mother, Dottie, during his visits to California.
During his retirement years he rode hundreds of miles on his beloved Harley that he referred to as “Ole Blue” winding down the roads he so dearly loved. One such road trip brought his dream to reality when he attended the Sturgis event alongside other Harley enthusiasts and continued for many years to follow with several road trips to California on Ole Blue. He rode all the way from Alaska and was proud to have arrived with bugs in his teeth and all!
Ken will be missed by many and will always be remembered for his easy laugh, kind heart, and welcoming spirit.
Ken is survived by his mother, Dottie Slater; his sister, Claudia (Slater) Weber; his brother-in-law, Michael Weber; his three nieces, Kelly Craig, Saije Bashaw, and Wendy Bashaw; and his great nieces and nephews, Summer Bashaw, Katin Bashaw, Sienna Russell, Dayton Russell and Josie Russell.
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