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Richard Allen Slater
10/15/1949 — 11/21/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Richland, WA
Richard Allen Slater
Richard A. Slater Born a sinner October 15, 1949 in Richland, WA. Died November 21, 2010 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center at the age of 61. Saved by the shedding blood of Jesus Christ as a teenager, but spent much of life in a wordly fashion. Preceded in death by his father Glen A. Slater, mother Vera J. Slater & brother Gary D. Slater, mother in-law Halsey Franklin.
I have decided to write my own obituary so the burden will not be placed on my family trying to decide what wonderful things that they should say about me.
I leave behind my wife & soul mate Vesta E. Slater. The best woman that God knew I needed. Stepchildren my son, Tony Rodriquez, Jenny & granddaughters Sabrina and Isabella. My daughter Jennifer Dave Youngblood, granddaughter Kirsten Jackson & grandson Mitchell Jackson. Brother Ron Slater, Kansas City MO.; Mary and nephews Kevin & Stephen whom I'm sorry I didn't get to see much of but loved you just the same. Sister Glenda Hansen Max Kennewick WA., nieces Savanah & Allie. Nephew Austin Melinda Slater, son Dawson, niece Heather Ray Newton, son David. Also my very close friend Nancy Graves, Richland, WA. & many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.
I was born and raised in Richland WA. Graduated from Richland High in 1967. Was a Member of the U.S. Air Force for 4 years 1968-1972. Graduated from Columbia Basin College 1975 with AA in Mid-Management. Had several local jobs but was in business with my parents for 12 years before going to work for Westinghouse which is now MSA.
Not because I was a good person but because I had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour my dying wish is that my family and friends & anyone reading this may also come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. If you don't have the hope of Jesus in your heart I'm sure my wife would be glad to share it with you.
For the souls I've met in life I thank God for them. For the life I had I thank God for. Weep for me but don't grieve because I am now in the presence of God and someday will see all of you who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. May God bless you all until Christ returns and unites us when He comes to claim His throne. Authored by Rick
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00am at the Temple Baptist Church with a reception to follow at the church, 4555 Arena Rd., Richland, WA.
In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to the Tri-Cites Union Gospel Mission.
To Vesta and the family of Rick: Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We also rejoice with you as Rick is now in the arms of his Savior! May God bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Love, Donna and John
Vesta~
Big hugs to you! Also, My deepest condolences, Rick will be dearly missed.
Love Jennifer Lettau
Vesta,
You and Rick were so kind to me and showed me Christ’s love when I came to Temple. Thank you for your love of Jesus! My prayers are with you and your family and know that Rick is dancing and singing at Jesus’ feet!
dear grandpa,
i wish you were here right now
everyone really misses you!
love sabrina!
I was blessed to have you as an uncle. My best memories besides family trips we took with you was having you and Vesta at all my games growing up. I still have all my old games that you taped and will forever be thankful for that. You were like a second dad to me growing up and its something I will never forget. We will all miss you….I love you!
Your nephew,
Austin and family
So very difficult to write when my heart is aching and my mind is full of emotions. I am also shocked that you left us. It’s surreal. You mean so much to Kirsten and Mitchell. You cannot be replaced. They are are lucky to have had you as their Grandpa. Mom is going to be okay. Tony and I and the kids will take care of her. You two were perfect for each other and true soul mates. Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for nurturing and loving mom the way she deserved. We will try to make you proud. I am still in awe that we are having to say goodbye. I love you and I thank you for everything.
Your loving daughter,
Jennifer Elaine
Rick,
I am so glad that you found my mom. You were so perfect for her and she for you. Thank you for everything that you did for her, you made her truly happy and for that I will always be thankful. You were also a perfect grandparent. Your grandkids will always think of you with a smile. They loved you very much and always looked forward to seeing you.
We all miss you so much, and always will.
Love you,
Your son Tony
Good friends are a special part of life. Your love for them never changes. Rick was such a friend. We will miss him. Vesta, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and praise God that we will all be together again one day in heaven.
Rick was a good friend and great coach. I still miss my high school days playing on his team. I can’t wait till my children start to play. I pray they have a great coach like Rick. I am praying for Vesta and her family. I love you all.
Grandpa Rick – I am sad for us, and especially for my girls. We will all miss you, and holidays and birthdays will never be the same. You were a great grandpa and the girls always loved coming over to play and spend the night. I know that secretly you enjoyed all those toys as much as the kids! We really enjoyed the time we stayed with you, and that will always be a happy time I remember. I know you will be watching over us, and we promise to take good care of Mom. I never thought we would lose any of our parents this soon, but I know that God is taking care of you now.
Much love,
Jenny
Rick will be greatly missed by many. I know are family will greatly miss. Us ladies of scrapbooking will always be waiting for that jolly happy voice to come through the day honey I’m home. God bless to you Vesta we love you very much.
Vesta we feel blessed to have shared in Rick’s life on earth and know that we will meet again one day. May you find consolation in the FACT that Rick has gone to be with our Lord and Savior. We will always cherish the times we spent with both of you, camping, ball games, and gatherings at your home. Know that we love you deeply and feel free to call on us at any time.
All our love,
Tim & Laurie
Rick,
Things I will remember: your never ending smile, quick wit- which was such a “Franklin” trait, your love and joy of your grandchildren, the passion for Christ and forgiveness, the love, honor and committment to my Aunt Vesta, prayers before meals, the soda cup that I saw your carry on so many occaisons-it must have weighed a ton smile. You have been a blessing to all, may we all live, laugh, and praise as you have shown us. Rest, rejoice and send our love to all those who have gone before us…praises be, Love Brenda
yo bro glad we had alaska i will remember you with the good and the bad sorry i was such a pain growing up but what were little bothers for
thanks for being my big brother vesta you will always be my sister so if you need anything let me know love bro ron
Rick,
Finding the words to tell you goodbye is very difficult. I will miss seeing you sitting in the living room watching western movies on t.v. while we scrapbook in the craft room. But mostly I will miss hearing “Honey I’m Home” and you telling us all good night when you head to bed. I promise I will help take care of Vesta. I know how much you love her. We will miss you Rick!
Rick as I set here trying to say the things that are in my heart, it is hard to see through the tears. As friends go you were the greatest, as bosses go you could not find any one with more compassion and understanding. I always looked up to and admired you no matter what. As my boss you gave the best advice and always had the right thing for me to say or do to make me look and sound my best. As a friend I will cherish all the memeries that we shared through the years. I know that I am a better person for having known and had you in my life and as I’m sad that you are now gone, I am content that you are now wrapped in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ and are waiting for the rest of your family and friends to join you. Vesta, my heart goes out to you at this time and you will always be in my prayers. A friend in life and in Christ.
Sorry to hear that Rick passed away. Hope you all are holding up. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Kevin & Jessica
Goodbye friend.
I will miss you much, but I realize you are now being rewarded for your unending faith and love for our Father and for that your rewards are justified.
Thanks for all you have done,
Chet
To Ricks family, It is hard to believe that so many years have passed and so has the many friends, and school mates. Growing up in Richland back in the 50s and 60s was different then today. Memories live on for ever and as the class of 67 continue to pass on, May God Bless you and us all.
Mike & Carol Tesky
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I worked with Rick at the PFP Plant in the Hanford Area. He was hard working and did his job well. He had many friends at the plant and I know he will be missed by all. He was a fine man and I feel fortunate that our paths have crossed in life.
Retired executive secretary.
Diana Grando
Well,my brother I miss you already.It is so hard to describe how much you meant to me. You were my rock,after we lost mom and dad, then Gary you were there for me.If ever I had a problem you would listen and offer up advice. Not that I always listened but you were alway there. You were so wonderful to call me almost every day. I will miss those great talks we had about the books we read and the kids we love.My heart aches for all the things you will miss but what better place for you to be than with the Lord with a new body and an up-lifted soul. We promised we would take care Vesta and rest asurred we will. I am torn between happiness for you and tears for us. I can’t wait till we are together again-maybe in a cribbage tournament. Words can never tell anyone how much I love you and how much I will miss you. I LOVE you with all of my heart. Till we meet again. MUAH!!!!
Grandpa I love you. I hope you have fun in heaven.
I love you,
Isabella
Dear Vesta: We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s sudden departure. We are very thankful that our lives have passed here on this big Earth, and that we will all spend eternity together someday. We are counting down the days. May the love of God and His many blessings give you comfort and peace, until that great day. Love to ALL
Guestbook for
Richard Allen Slater