William R. Slade

William R. ‘Bill’ Slade passed away at his home with his wife at his side on February 9, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. He was born May 5, 1933, in Federal Hill, Maryland, one of six children of Ralph and Gency Slade. His parents, brothers Jim and Carroll Lee, and sisters Sue Mae, Rose and Pat predeceased him. Surviving him are his wife of 54 years, Joanne, daughter Jill Maronay, son Stephen Slade, grandchildren Colton and Wyatt Slade, Matthew Maronay, and Amanda Alburn, and great grandchildren Corban and Micha Alburn and Audriel Maronay, as well as sisters-in-law Helen Slade and Anita Tonack, Brothers-in-law Donald and Wayne Tonack, and nieces and nephews.

Bill enjoyed growing up on the family farm in Federal Hill, and was a graduate of North Harford High School (where he served as student body president) and Wake Forest University (North Carolina).  Following graduation, he served two years in the Army’s Ft. Detrick, Maryland, Bio Lab, taught in Maryland, pursued post graduate studies at the University of Maryland North Dakota State, and Oregon State University, Where he met his Future wife, Joanne. After Marriage on June 18, 1966, Bill left the Lynchwood School District Near Portland to begin a 25 year career teaching biology at Staton Union High School.

After five at their home near Sublimity where daughter Jill was joined by son Stephen, Bill and Joanne built a home SE of Stayton and enjoyed 43 years on their peaceful woods-with-stream property. During these years Bill was involved in community activities, serving as emcee at various events, and sharing his love for humor in many forms, in ‘artwork’ (crayons, his favorite medium), poetry, “roasts and toasts”, fund-raising events, creating short plays, and art festivals.

Bill was a good-natured, gentle man of God who loved his Lord, family, friends, church, students, and God's creation. He was active at Calvary Lutheran Church, Stayton for 53 years, serving in various positions. He is greatly missed, but loved ones find hope and comfort in knowing he’s in Gods’s keeping, and we’ll have a wonderful reunion someday.

Bill’s family wishes to thank Dr. Bud Pierce, his assistant Kelly and staff, as well as Bristol Hospice for their Kind and compassionate care.  Due to covid concerns, a memorial service at Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton. (Date to be determined).