— from Ed Sutton —
An older friend of long acquaintance passed on Monday, December 21.
Marion Slater, a former resident of Orcas and owner of BayHead Marina with her late husband, Dick, lived in Anacortes after he died. Marion was born on April 23, 1926, and was raised in Riverside, CA during the Depression. She and Dick moved to Orcas island in the late 1960’s and bought the marina.
An avid sports fan, Marion would follow the Seahawks and Mariners regularly, and would call us to as, “Did you see that?” when Ken Griffey had swatted a homerun or Marshawn Lynch had raced to a touchdown. She knew that we, too, would be watching the games. Some years ago when Marion was still able to get around with some ease, she and I went to a Mariners game, and our adventure together was very special to me.
Amazingly Marion, in her 80’s, rode in The Tour de France. Well anyway, she watched that event on her TV and rode along on her stationery bicycle. She was truly a character. Purple was her favorite color, and her clothes reflected that preference with irises as her flower of choice.
Marion lived in Anacortes with her constant companion, her dog, Patches. She has a daughter, Suzie, of Kirkland, and a son, Matt of California. Both of her children and some grandchildren were able to visit their mother before she passed.
My wife Carol and I were also able to spend personal time with Marion before her passing. Marion Slater was a very special friend to us both, and we will miss her deeply. We believe that she has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and has been reunited with her husband Dick before proceeding into Heaven to meet her God in whom she believed without question.
Marion was cared for in her final decline by The Visiting Angels of Mt Vernon. Donations in her memory can be made to them at 1222 Riverside Dr; Mt Vernon, WA 98273.
God bless you, Marion Slater. You will be missed, always and forever!
Ed, How very nice of you. She was truly a fun person to know.
Marion was one of the most inspirational elderly women I’ve known. I enjoyed visiting her from time to time and also Patches, her beloved dog of many years. I am so glad that she and I became friends even the few years we knew each other. She was in tune with the latest in naturopathic health and wellbeing and shared her knowledge with me and many other. I take care of my 92yr old mother and know the challenges faced by growing old. I guess my mother and she will have to meet in Heaven since they didn’t quite get the chance to meet here on Earth. She always spoke fondly with love about her own children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends. She was a passionate and caring woman. I too will miss her spontaneity and cheerfulness! We love you Marion!
God Bless You and Keep You!