Douglas Boyd Slater

Douglas Boyd Slater

November 14, 1930 – April 23, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Boyd Slater, born November 14, 1930, in Vancouver, British Columbia. A devoted husband to Ellena Rae ("Ellie") and a loving father to daughters Heather and Valerie, Doug was a gentle and caring man whose life was marked by resilience, curiosity, and quiet strength.

Doug’s early years were shaped by the adversity of the Dirty 30’s (Great Depression), growing up on remote Cortes Island. He began working as a logger at the young age of 14 and, at 21, left Cortes Island to join the Royal Canadian Air Force (1952–1957), where he served as a Radar and Communications Technician (Air).

After his discharge from the RCAF, Doug moved to Toronto to begin a new chapter, working as a Computer Programmer and Engineer with Sperry Univac. His work led him to Hamilton and Ottawa, where he met Ellie in 1959. Reflecting on their first meeting, Doug once said he was “impressed that she dressed in a ladylike fashion and was well spoken.” They married on July 8, 1961, in Ottawa, and welcomed their first daughter, Heather, in February 1965. A transfer back to Vancouver followed, and their family was complete with the arrival of Valerie in March 1968.

In 1974, the family moved to Winnipeg briefly before settling later that year in their forever home in Brentwood Bay, B.C. Doug’s career evolved when he and a family friend opened the Brentwood Bay Service Centre. Later, he joined Canada Post, where he worked as a Computer Technician/Engineer until his retirement.

In retirement, Doug and Ellie embarked on their “trip of a lifetime” to Australia to visit Valerie and son-in-law Costa. Their travels took them from Melbourne and Sydney to Tasmania, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef—including a memorable train journey on The Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide. Doug often spoke of this adventure with joy, holding onto those memories until his final days. He returned to Australia again in 1999, 2001 and 2011.

Doug’s passions were many: his family, the beloved dogs who shared his life, and the home projects he tackled with enthusiasm. He found joy in boating, fishing, and pondering the mysteries of the universe. A lifelong believer in the unknown, Doug often spoke of his personal and documented UFO experience on August 20, 1947—an event chronicled in the September 4, 1947 article titled “Flying Saucers Over Cortez?”

Doug’s legacy is one of quiet integrity, devotion to his loved ones, and a mind always open to wonder.

He is survived by daughters Heather (Juan), Valerie (Costa) & his best friend and 4-legged companion Archie, grandchildren Lucy & Caleb, Victoria & Hudson, his sister Barbara, nieces & nephews Marlane (Nick), Carolyn, David (Rebecca) & Michael and in-law’s Enid (Zelig), Brian (Evelyn) and Cheryl as well as extended family and friends.

Doug (at his request) along with Heather & Val would like to thank Jacqui Hipwell (Shoreline Medical – Brentwood Bay) & Dr Ian MacKenzie (Saanich Peninsula Hospital) for their graciousness and compassionate care provided over the past few years and right up until the moment he passed.

He will be missed deeply and remembered always.

At his request, there will not be a service held however we hope that you share a message or memory in the comments.