Robert Edmund Arthur Slade

Robert Edmund Arthur Slade, beloved husband of Anne Slade, of Tompkins, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the age of 82 years. Although only recently diagnosed with cancer, Robert faced his other health challenges with a positive outlook to the very end.

Robert was the middle child of Arthur and Harriet Slade. His older sister Elsie and younger sister Dorothy rounded out the family. Robert spent most of his life in the Tompkins area. He was born in Regina but his family resided at The Big Farm, which is now part of Tompkins Colony.  The family moved to Hereford Hill farm when his sister, Elsie started at Central school. Two years later, they moved to Moose Jaw, where Robert began his formal education. His schooling included King George School, Central Collegiate and St. Louis Collegiate.  After high school, Robert spent some time attending the University of Saskatchewan but he felt the urge to return home to the ranch.

Robert had a strong connection to ranching that started in his youth. When he was eight, his dad bought the Speirs ranch. Robert, Elsie and Dorothy spent every summer holiday and school break at the ranch with their “second” parents, Duff and Delores Noreen. This is where their real education began; riding, chores, weeding, socializing, and their nemesis, Berry picking.

In 1962, Robert and Anne started their married life on the Slade Ranch and this past year they made it to the milestone of 60 years. They saw the ranch as the ideal place to raise children and their four boys, David, Ken, Art and Brett grew up there.

Robert was proud of his Herefords, and appreciated the support of excellent ranch hands through the years. Delores Noreen was a special one, she taught the boys to ride and work alongside her. Robert felt blessed to have her in our lives for 60 years.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife Anne, sons Ken (daughter-in-law Wendy), Art (daughter-in-law Brenda) and Brett (daughter-in-law Karla) along with seven grandchildren: Shea Slade, Aidan Slade, Brody Slade, Tanaya Slade, Ryan Slade, Reece Slade, and Richelle Slade. Robert is predeceased by his son David, father Arthur, mother Harriet, sister Dorothy and granddaughters Tori and Anna.

Celebration of Life will be held at Tompkins Community Hall on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Graveside service will be done privately with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Tompkins Community Hall, in memory of Robert.

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