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Howard Slater

1948 - 2023

Howard Slater obituary, 1948-2023, Chico, CA

FUNERAL HOME

Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home - Chico

680 Camellia Way

Chico, California

Howard Slater Obituary

HOWARD SLATER Howard Henry Slater born April 9, 1948 and joined his parents in heaven on January 29, 2023. Howard was truly a special person. He was larger than life, the epitome of what a man should be, a pillar of the community, a lover of one another and someone who so many looked up to. As we read hundreds of messages and talk to friends, the stories of his generosity, sincerity, and integrity shined brightly. He was well read, an intellectual, yet funny and quick witted. He was a man who got things done. His family is proud that his value system lives on in them. Revin, his 9-year-old grandson has immediately jumped into action to create the Howard Slater Memorial Fund through North Valley Community Foundation, a fundraiser to support the Torres Shelter. This is a testament that the legacy of Howard will live on for generations through the impact he had on those in his sphere of influence. He was a tall man. He could fill a room with his laugh. And then there is that mustache. He grew it during Pioneer Days in the mid 60's and he has had it ever since. Son of Donald and Isabel (Betty) Slater. He was an only child, but his mom said, "it was not for their lack of trying." He often played the only child card. Howard's parents and grandparents all lived into their late 90's and 100's. We were expecting Howard to outlive us all. Because his father was in residential construction, he attended many elementary schools. His parents often moved when a new house was built or as his mom would say "when the walls needed painting." He was a graduate of Chico High, 1966 and Chico State in business, 1970. He did do a one-year stint at McGeorge School of Law, discovering that was not a career choice for him. He worked on the construction of Whitney Hall on the Chico State campus and then went on to get his Master's in Business Administration from UCLA, with an emphasis in real estate in 1974. Upon returning to Chico, he worked for Tracy Realty. He and Bud did many projects together and this is where his love for commercial construction was born. He then joined his father in Construction in 1978 and took over Slater and Son in 1980, transitioning the firm from residential to commercial construction. Howard loved Chico and he left his imprint all over town. The projects he was most proud of were the historic rehabilitations including The Silverstein Building, Bidwell Presbyterian Church, Oroville Inn and The Diamond Hotel. He married Diane in 1978, who was also a graduate of Chico State. Diane is the oldest of five so Howard inherited brothers and sisters, which he was thrilled about. Howard and Diane have two children, Lindsay Slater and Brandon Slater, also graduates of Chico High and Chico State. Howard had a value system that grounded him in his family and community. His concern was always for the greater good. He was a man of action, involved in so many community boards and projects. He had strong opinions but had a unique ability to bring people together. He was a deeply loyal and generous person. He was genuinely kindhearted, cared about everyone and had a joyful presence that was infectious. People were always welcome in his home. He was a fabulous host, chef and was an incredible baker. His warmth spilled out in his presence, smile and laugh. With 74 years in one place, you can accomplish a lot. Howard was involved in DeMolay, Past Master of Chico Leland Stanford Masonic Lodge, El Rancho Little League Player agent, Chico Chamber of Commerce (his son Brandon is current Chair), Chico Economic Planning Corporation (CEPCO), Tomorrow's Leaders Today, Long time board member and chair of North Valley Community Foundation, Valley Contractors Exchange President, (his father Don was Founding President & his son Brandon was recently President), Janet Turner Print Museum Board (current), Past President of Sunrise Rotary where he continued to sit on the board. Some of his recent projects through rotary were, Caper Acres Restoration, Fairview School Library Cabinets project, 12 Little Free libraries for Chico elementary schools, Forest Ranch Charter School project, Rotary Centennial Park, Neal Dow Elementary School Track, McManus School outdoor reading area, STEAM workstations for Paradise High school, Chico Air Museum and an exercise room for Chico PD. He was a supporter of The Boys and Girls Club, The Jesus Center (Renewal Center) and the Torres Shelter (True North Housing Alliance), Enloe Foundation, Salvation Army, Reading Pals, and Catalyst Domestic Violence Services. He loved his wife of 44 years, his children, 3 grandchildren, family, friends, his community. He enjoyed reading, skiing, Art, traveling, fantasy football, The Warriors, the 49ers, his Rotary "buddies", his wine connoisseur group and reading plaques. Diane tells a story of a recent trip to tour the Civil War sites. They missed their bus due to Howard enjoying the historical information available at a site in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Howard died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep; the cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of pneumonia and bronchitis. He is survived by his wife Diane, his children Lindsay and Brandon, Rachael, Brandon's wife, Emma, Revin and Lena his grandchildren, Dale and Vickie Cummings his cousins. In laws Mike May, Teri Ward, Patrick May and Margie Cavalli. Wyndham & Maddie May, Ori May and Courtney Cavalli his nephews and niece. Some might say that Howard was very private about his faith, but I would say actions speak louder than words and the way he lived his life was evidence of his faith. The saying, "preach the Gospel always, but only use words when absolutely necessary" rings true for Howard. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Howard Slater Memorial Fund that Revin set up through the North Valley Community Foundation at https://www.nvcf.org/funds/Howard-Slater-Memorial-Fund We hope to receive 1000 separate donations (no amount is too small) and generate enough money to help fund an expansion at the Torres Shelter. Thank you in advance for your generosity. The Celebration of life will be held Friday February 17th at 1pm at 275 Airpark Blvd. Please bring a sack lunch or something to share and a bottle of wine to help celebrate Howard's life. More information at NewtonBracewell.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Feb. 5, 2023.

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Janet Lombardi Blixt

February 15, 2023

My sincere condolences for all the family. I will do my best with love while Howard´s grandchildren are in my care for art instruction. God bless you all during this huge loss in your lives.

Serenity Wreath

Avelina(Carpets Galore Family)

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Memorial Events
for Howard Slater

Feb

17

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

275 Airpark Blvd., CA

Funeral services provided by:

Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home - Chico

680 Camellia Way PO Box 1051, Chico, CA 95926

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