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Stephen Slate Obituary

Dr. Stephen Slate, PhD, Lt Col USAF (Retired), 54, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 19, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Carla; his sons: Joel and Daniel; his daughter, Rebecca; his Mother, Theresa, from Katy, TX; brother, Rick (Kathy) from Springfield, PA; brother, John (Terrie) from Holmes, PA; sister, Jeanne Bodkin (Bob) from Newtown Square, PA; sister, Terry Bratton (Scott) from Houston, TX; sister, Kathy Hunter (David) from Southlake, TX; numerous nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred. Steve was born on September 15, 1955 in Darby, PA. He graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School and entered the Air Force Academy in 1973 at the age of 17. After graduating from the Academy he served as a Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Deputy Commander, Commander and Evaluator at Whiteman AFB. In 1981, he was selected as a Minuteman ICBM Operations Evaluator for Strategic Air Command stationed at Vandenberg AFB. In 1984 he was selected to earn his Masters degree in Economics and in 1986 he arrived at the Air Force Academy as an Instructor of Economics. After three years of teaching, he was selected to earn his PhD and attended the University of Colorado. He returned to the Academy in 1992 holding various positions including Director of Personnel, Deputy Department Head for Geosciences, Deputy Department Head and Interim Department Head for the Department of Economics and Geography. Steve was actively involved in research and published numerous articles in a wide variety of journals. He won numerous awards including the Academy's prestigious McDermott Award for Faculty Research Excellence. Steve's true love, however, was teaching and found great joy spending time in the classroom with the cadets, many of whom he built long term relationships with. Steve was also an active member of the community and was serving as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors for Air Academy Federal Credit Union. Steve's number one passion and love in life was his children. He was a devoted father and centered his life on being a role model for them. Some of his most treasured moments were spending time at the cabin on Farrish with his children fishing and hiking and cheering at his sons' hockey games. Steve also enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, spending time with friends and family and cheering on the AFA Falcons. Steve was known by all for his compassion, kindness, humor and wisdom. His gentle soul touched many lives. He will be greatly missed. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 5-7p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance, with Rosary following at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Air Force Academy Catholic Chapel. Interment to follow at the Air Force Academy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Air Academy Federal Credit Union Foundation: supporting local school districts and children's literacy in Stephen's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Myra & Mike Foster

October 20, 2009

I would like to express just how much Steve was respected and loved. I had the privilege of serving with Steve on the Board of Directors for the Air Academy Federal Credit Union. Steve was always so kind and supportive, even with the "newbies" on the Board. His family were always first and foremost on his mind and he often talked of their accomplishments and support. He loved them and made sure that everyone knew this. Steve also was a leader, and very caring person, and a truly an inspiring man. He was often in pain or not feeling well, but always lead by example and showed up to all of the meetings and Board events. I was amazed at his ability to push on, no matter what he was going through. Steve truly was a gifted Teacher and taught all of us by his example to live the best life possible and show love everyday to his family and friends. I feel very blessed to have known him.

Tony & Bonnie Cervone

October 5, 2009

I would like to express my deepest heartfelt sympathies to Steve's family. I was a fellow Magpie and served with Steve in missiles at Whiteman AFB and Vandenberg AFB. I always looked up to him for his keen intelligence, sharp wit and quiet leadership style. He made a lasting mark in our world through the people he touched and the contributions he made. We are all better because of Steve.

Steve & Toni Wurst

September 27, 2009

All of us from the 28th Squadron Magpies,USAFA Class of '77 were fortunate to have Steve as our classmate. Although our motto might have been "Just passin' thru" Steve was anything but that. He always tried to make a positive contribution, and truly treated others as he'd want to be treated. We've lost one of our best and we will all be praying that Steve's family & close friends will all be comforted by knowing that Steve's good deeds touched many of our lives and he will always be remembered and missed by each of us.

Bill Hodge, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

September 25, 2009

To the family of Steve Slate. He was one of the "good ones." He and I served together early in his career as a missileer. He was always a professional at work and a loyal friend to everyone. We had great times at Whiteman AFB and at Vandenberg AFB, especially on the golf course and on those SMES trips. You should know that we all loved the man and our prayers and condolences go out to you. Rest assured, he's with the Good Lord. May God comfort you in your loss.

Bridget Gerritsen

September 24, 2009

Steve really helped me when I worked in the Geo & Economics Dept at the Academy, and I quit smoking. He would bring me red swizzlers. He was an honorable man.

Eileen Kenney

September 24, 2009

I feel profound sadness and at the same time such admiration for my very accomplished cousin. To Aunt Theresa and her family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and Steve.

Mark Fini

September 23, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Slate family. You are in my prayers. I considered it an honor to have met and gotten to know Steve. He will be missed.

September 23, 2009

Steve - you touched more lives than you'll ever know. We've lost one of the good ones; you'll never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Steve's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Brad B.

Chris Benson

September 23, 2009

My heart and prayers go out to Carla, Joel, Daniel, and Rebecca and Steve's Mom, Theresa. Steve Slate was an outstanding leader, a true friend and an exceptional man - he will be missed. I became a better officer, commander, husband and father from his example.

September 23, 2009

My heart goes out to all who loved Steve. I have no words to express my deepest sadness. This is a great loss to our entire family.

With love,
Terri Kenney

George Parker

September 23, 2009

I was fortunate to begin my USAF career serving with Steve as a fellow "Brown Bar" at Whiteman AFB, MO. We became friends at Vandenburg AFB while attending MCC IQT. We had many good times. I never did beat him playing golf. Always loved his sly sense of humor. He was "the sharpest knife in the drawer." My sincere condolances to the family for his sudden departure. I will miss and remember him.

September 23, 2009

May our memories give us comfort. I may not be there in body but I am there in spirit.

Love You All
Chris Ainsley

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