My Dad was a strong and smart thinking man. He stood tall and firm in his beliefs. Although he was not always the initiator of emotional support, he was a mentor in so many ways. He lived proud and taught me the old-fashioned value system needed to truly succeed in the world. He was an excellent provider to his family. He was the hunter/gatherer. I remember going at 2am in the morning with him to drop off a trailer load of tomatoes to E.D. Smith in Hamilton. I remember riding the haywagon all day and helping cook and deliver to the workers in the fields, a hot dinner every night as they worked from early morning and well into the night at harvest time. I remember a man who changed the school bus route for me because his daughter was not going to get the short end of the stick. I tried to be by his side as much as possible because he always, always taught me something about life. Just to open his mouth was to teach you something. I made sure I always hugged him hard, kissed him on the cheek and looked into his eyes and told him how much I loved him. When I did this with unconditional love, he would then hug me back and say I Love You too Kimmy. We were about as close a two people could be. I was able to show him this love and to him, I think I was his mentor for how to show emotional love and how to be able to have a deep relationship with someone for life. Everyone needs love and wants deep down to be loved. My Dad knew without a doubt that he was loved. Each card that I sent to him over the years always had a phrase about gratitude. I would not be the person I am today without his teachings and having lived under his safe haven. He had so many life stories to tell. All you had to do was ask him to tell one of his stories. I will gladly and proudly carry those stories on to anyone who wants to call me and listen. We rode motorcycles together, vacationed in Florida together, boated and fished together and generally just liked each others company. I will miss going to the chinese restaurant with him or just for a coffee at his favourite coffee shop in Waterford. We can all learn a life lesson from Robert Bruce Slaght. A hard worker and a strong character are traits to be admired in this day and age. I personally have lived by these high standards set by my Dad and I have taught this way of life to my children. I will miss you Dad as I am one of the only people to truly know you and treasure you for the man you were. Rest in Peace now. Your journey was a great one. To the Family: My sincere and deep condolences to you. Life is so short. Treasure each other and continue on his legacy of Pride in workmanship and steadfast Strength. You have strong blood running through your veins. Your immediate ancestors settled here, cleared the land, worked that land to feed their community. You should be very proud. Don't forget to hug someone TODAY ! Thank you for listening. I welcome any calls,letters or emails to: Kim Willison 1028-3235 56 Street N.E. Calgary, AB T1Y 2X7 403-966-5858 (cell) 403-955-7813 kimberly.willison@albertahealthservices.ca officelinc@yahoo.ca
