Derek Bruce Slater

Derek Bruce Slater, age 53, passed away unexpectedly in Safety Harbor, Florida on May 30th, 2024. Derek was born in Detroit, Michigan to Bruce and Loretta Slater and at the age of five moved to Lima, Ohio where he spent most of his childhood. Shortly after graduating from Lima High School in 1988, he moved to Palm Harbor, Florida and this is where he met his wife Marci Slater (Miller) in 1989 while working at Innisbrook Resort. Derek and Marci were married until Marci's passing in 2018.
Derek was known for his hard-working and tenacious personality having owned his own business, working in sales for over 25 years, and most recently as a regional sales manager for Masters Building Products. He was a trusted colleague, friend, and mentor to all his co-workers, and he truly appreciated all the relationships he built through the years in his profession.
Though Derek made many contributions and excelled professionally, his most cherished title was being a dad. He was always there for his children and would do anything for them. He was consistently involved in his children's activities and on most weekends and evenings you could find him on the soccer field, at a gymnastics meet, and attending school performances. But his role as a father extended well beyond these activities as he played both roles of mother and father for many years. To his children, he was a trusted advisor, their rock, a shoulder to cry on, a provider, a nurturer, and most of all the best father in the entire world. Though his time here on Earth has been cut short his children will carry the countless lessons and memories with them for the rest of their lives.
Derek is affectionately remembered by his son Jacob Slater, daughter Annabelle Slater, son Jonah Slater, brother Kevin (Jacki) Slater, nephew Josh (Jasmine) Plummer, niece Haleigh (Christian) Paglialonga, nephew Jack Dunham, sister-in-law Donna (Dana) Miller Dunham, 8 step nieces and nephews, cousins Lori (Ed) Fisher, Judi Clos, Madison Hackler, and beloved dog Rocky.
Derek will be remembered by all who knew him for his infectious laugh, willingness to help others, dedication to his family, sense of humor, unmatched love for family, and diligence in everything he did in life. He made everyone feel welcome and special when he talked with them and he had a heart of gold. In his free time, he loved to swim in the pool, cookout, host events at his house, travel, and spend countless hours with family and friends. Derek's dedication and love for his family is the biggest legacy he leaves behind and one his children and family will continue to honor each and every day.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the linked GoFundMe page to help support the slater children navigate these trying times.
GoFundMe Link: https://gofund.me/d00c99ba