We Remember

SLATER, Morris “Mo” Bert

September 13, 1930 — November 7, 2023

Mo was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on September 13, 1930, but spent his early life in Edmonton, AB.

At a young age, he earned his piano degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music, playing until last year. He had a lifelong love of sports, and it was in the YMCA gym that he met Joy, where they were both involved in competitive gymnastics. They married in 1953.

Mo obtained a Bachelor of PE from UBC in 1954, receiving his Big Block in gymnastics, and a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. He was the Physical Director of the Vancouver YMCA until 1957, when he and Joy moved to Nelson to teach. Mo taught PE at L.V. Rogers Secondary School until 1965, when he became the Supervisor of Instruction. In 1978, he became principal at Trafalgar Junior High.

Mo was very involved in the Nelson community, including the Gyro club. He worked with the Whitewater Ski Society to obtain grants to build the hill, and was delighted when that came to fruition.

Upon retirement in 1987, they moved to Kelowna, BC where they spent many happy days at Big White (Mo skied until he was 75). He loved his golf games at Shannon Lake with his buddies, where they always had the first tee time of the day. He and Joy were great cheerleaders when watching his daughters and grandchildren participate in their various sports. He volunteered at the Apple Triathlon and worked with Elections Canada.

Mo and Joy travelled all over the world, but had a special connection with the Mexican town of Guayabitos, where they spent time each winter.

Mo had a life well lived. He loved a good joke, scratch-and-win tickets, spare ribs, Jeopardy, jelly beans, split screen TVs (because he could watch several games at the same time), and bragging rights on modest wagers. He was a talented rock wall builder and an accomplished crib player, often beating Alison. 4:30 pm “wine time” was a daily event.

Mo is survived by his wife, Joy, and their daughters, Leslie (John) and Alison (Matt); grandchildren Alex (Anica), and Cameron (Kristina); two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Shirley. He was predeceased by his brother, Harold.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the team at Lakeview Lodge, who took such good and kind care of Mo in his last few years as he dealt with the challenges of dementia.

A celebration of Mo’s life will be held next spring. Donations in Mo’s memory can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate

 


 


Condolences

  • Dianne Neufeld says:
    November 26, 2023 at 7:39 am

    We would like to express our sincere condolences to you Joy, and you daughters Leslie and Alison and their families, on the death of Moe. He was a true ‘Renaissance Man’ with so many interests, talents and skills in the ares of music, sports and education. We hope that all your wonderful family memories with help you during this difficult time. Sincerely, The Central Okanagan Retired Teachers’ Association.

    Reply

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