December 8, 1944 – January 31, 2018
LTC, USAR (Ret), Francis G. Slater of San Diego passed away peacefully on January 31, 2018, at his home with his wife Nora at his side. He spent the last weeks of his illness enjoying a view of the La Playa basin, yacht clubs, boats, and bay that he loved so much. Only Frank would choose to leave us on the night of the Super Blue Blood Moon when thousands are looking skyward!
Frank was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up on Long Island where he attended Chaminade High School. He graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland. He enlisted in the Army, received his officer commission in November 1967, and reported to Yuma Proving Grounds as his first duty station with his first wife, Jane. Upon discharge from active duty, Frank and Jane moved to San Diego, transitioned to the Army Reserve, started a family, and began his civilian career with the City of San Diego as an Administrative Analyst. Eventually, they settled in Pt. Loma. Frank earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from SDSU. He continued Reserve duties with the 1394th Deployment Support Brigade at Camp Pendleton and was activated to serve in Desert Storm. He cherished his time in the military. He retired from the City after 35 years and especially enjoyed working on many projects with City engineers and the Airports Division staff at Montgomery Field and Brown Field. He often said that he lived every kid’s dream by working with tanks, trains, boats, and finally planes.
In the mid-70’s, Frank had the chance to become a partner in a sailboat and found his passion for sailing and love of the water. He enjoyed beer can races, day sails, delivery trips, trips to Catalina, and Ensenada. Frank joined Southwestern Yacht Club in 1982, participated in many volunteer activities, and served on the Board and various committees. Frank and Nora lived aboard their Swan 44 sailboat for 8 years and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow club members and visiting yachtsmen. In 2004, Frank purchased a brand new Outbound 46, SV Ocean Dancer. She was his pride and joy. Frank and Nora cruised to Catalina, Ensenada, and Mazatlan. He would take anyone sailing who wanted to go and hoped to instill an appreciation of sailing even in the land lubber. In December 2017, Frank was honored to receive the SWYC Kassler Goodfellowship Trophy for promoting good fellowship in the art of sailing among yachtsmen. Frank never met a stranger, his sense of humor and caring heart will be greatly missed.
Frank is survived by his wife, Nora Varner; his two daughters whom he adored and was very proud of, Kelly (Brendan) and Juleen (Brian); 5 grandchildren; and sisters, Carol and Nancy along with their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Frank; and brother, Bob.
The family wishes to thank the Kaiser Permanente Palliative Care and Hospice teams for their kindness, support, and care during his short time in hospice. Frank continued to make new friends until the end.
Services will be held on May 2, 2018: 11:30 am Military Memorial Service at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery (meet at 11 am); followed by 12:30 pm Lunch/Reception and 2 pm Celebration of Life at Southwestern Yacht Club, 2702 Qualtrough St., San Diego, 92106. RSVP to email: outbound-frank@cox.net.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made in Frank’s memory to:
“Frank the Tank” Sabot Project at SWYC Junior Foundation, 2702 Qualtrough St., San Diego, CA 92106
Kaiser Permanente Hospice, 10992 San Diego Mission Rd., San Diego, CA 92108
Homefront San Diego @www.homefrontsandiego.org/donations
Prostate Cancer Foundation @ www.pcf.org
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