Gregory Lebron Slaughter
February 11, 1954 - April 16, 2011
Obituary
Gregory Lebron Slaughter
Gregory Lebron Slaughter peacefully passed away on April 16, 2011, at age 57
Greg was born in Chattanooga, TN to his loving parents John and Mary Slaughter. The Slaughter family came to the NW when Greg was 6yrs old. His father’s career as a Civil Engineer allowed Greg to have wonderful childhood memories of living at the Naches Ranger station. The family then settled in Kennewick WA. Where they attended the Highland Church of God and Greg accepted Christ as his Savior. Greg loved his family fiercely, his Mother is his heart and he is hers. Greg also loved to learn and play. In school he was an all around athlete playing basketball, running track and became an All-Star in his favorite sport of baseball. He was also scholar and a top student at Kamaikin High, graduating in 1972. He went on to attend WSU and graduated from UW with a double major in Business Administration. He then graduated from the ASU Law School in 1982. He was preferably a Husky, although he could be a Cougar or Sun Devil at any given time.
After graduate school Greg chose to become an advocate for workers when he began his 27 yr career in Labor, working at SEIU Local 6, Teamsters Local 763, SEIU 925 and finally Teamsters Local 117. Greg was a skilled negotiator who took pride in promoting unionism and being of service to the members. Throughout his life Greg made deep and enduring friendships with many people. He treasured all who he called friend.
In 2002 Greg married his long time companion Elizabeth Freeman, they happily tended to their home and garden in Shoreline until his illness got the better of him. Greg is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, parents John & Mary, sister Johnetta Rowsey, brothers Dwane Slaughter and Anthony Stephanie Slaughter and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, God Children. We love you Superman Greg.
A Memorial to Celebrate Greg’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, 2pm at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd. Seatac WA 98188. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of personal choice.
Elizabeth,
I can’t express how saddened I am to read about Greg. I knew Greg from high school and actually have not been in touch with him since. It’s sad how we can lose track of people who were once so important to us. I remember his smile, which came in a flash, and his laugh which filled the room. Praise God that he’s dancing in Heaven!!!
2 years ago when my sister Alice Lagergren passed, Greg called me and spent time consoling me; Greg and I met in Pullman and over the years kept in touch…as though we had just spoken days ago. He had not only a ‘gentle spirit’, but an honest love for his friends as well as his family…and he touched many lives with his caring. Liz, we never met, but please know there are many who will miss him….and to the rest of the family, may the love that surrounds you comfort you…
Dear John and Mary,
I’m so sorry to learn of the death of your beloved son, Gregory. I think there’s nothing more painful than losing a child. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers in your time of loss.
Peace and love,
Jim
Regretfully, due to canvassing with the Fight for a Fair Economy last weekend, I was unable to go to the formal celebration of Greg’s life although being engaged in outreach to working families, and helping them to find a way to embrace their potential power in life’s struggles did seem to be a fitting way to honor Greg.
I had the privilege of working with Greg off and on for about 15 years, as a coworker at SEIU and as a colleague in labor coalitions. Greg’s work has affected the lives of many thousands of working families, and will endure for decades to come. That’s a true living “legacy” – one that likely would have caused him to blush with embarrassment while grinning with a quiet sense of satisfaction for a job well done.
Thank you, Greg, for your shared wisdom and your selfless efforts to help others achieve success. It was an honor to know Greg and a privilege to have fought alongside him.
Greg and I became best friends in Jr. High when we were the new kids in town. We remained good friends after I moved away during High School and later when we lived on the same dorm floor in college and for some years after. Greg was gifted with a quick wit and a gentle spirit and made friends easily where ever he went.
Greg, Your family and friends will miss you and I am sad to say good bye. Buddies Forever, Jeff Fogarty
Greg – You will be missed each and every day. I will miss you most when I sit at the table and look across and no longer see you there. You were a wonderful advocate and leader. Your thoughtful approach, rich with wisdom and practicality, was a pleasure. Now you have gone home to sit at the table with our Lord. Take care my friend and may you and yours be at peace.
Greg was a gentleman. He was a very caring person who shared compassion for others with genuine feeling. Speaking soft was not about a low volume. That was Greg speaking from where he was coming from and it was a calmer place then most ever know.
Greg, you are and will be missed.
It was a pleasure to know you and your wife as a patient and gentleman. I am so sorry for the loss, the state lost a kind,soft spoken man who I am sure carried a big stick. My prayers are with your family.
It was a pleasure to know you and your wife as a patient and gentleman. I am so sorry for the loss, the state lost a kind,soft spoken man who I am sure carried a big stick. My prayers are with your family.
There are no words to explain Greg, he was truly my hero and has been since he came to my life as our business rep. at Laidlaw for 763. I was a shop stewart at the time and it did not take to long to know this was the man to help all drivers out of the things our managers put us through. Greg was always soft spoken and that is what he is so remembered for. Later on when Greg went to Local 117, my neice was a shop stewart there and she had the prilege to get to know him also. She kept us in touch, I will truly miss you Greg, and always remember your help and your kindness forever, there is so much I want to say but only so much space. I only know You were the greatest man known to me… Love always, and Rest in Peace my freind.
I knew Greg at WSU and we got to be good friends as freshmen. We lost touch – life got in the way but I always valued my relationship with him. We had long talks about heavy topics back then and it was evident that he would ultimately find a career where he could make a difference, make the world better and he did. He had his faults but he somehow made people feel special and made people smile. On one had his passing is a loss but at the same time many of us were well blessed to have known him. My best wishes to his wife and family.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Betsy and the Slaughter family.
I’m truly shocked that we have loss such a great person. I send my condolences to my family. Greg will be truly missed.
When I transferred from a small college in Oregon to WSU in 1974, I was glad that my cousin, Nestor from Richland was there. It was through Nestor that I met Greg. Even though it has been several years since Greg and I have crossed paths, I am not surprised that Greg achieved so much in his
short time on earth. Greg was truly an outstanding human being.
Our prayers are with the family as you celebrate the life and memories of your loved one.
Cheryl Locke & Family
SMBC Chattanooga, TN
To all Gregs’ family, especially Elizabeth, Mary, John and his brothers and sister I’m so thankful to have gotten to know your husband, son and brother. He was an amazing man who taught me how to negotiate, I drove him up the wall but he always came back, and always was willing to share his thoughts and give his reasoning. I know he loved, treasured his family, and when he spoke of you, his face would light up with pride. He kept you close to his heart.
I remember one time when we brought food into the hall for a holiday in- house celebration and we got to taste Elizebeth’ Devil’s Food cupcakes”. What a great surpize was inside. Greg just sat there waiting for each of us to experiance the jalapenio tucked inside each one.
He didn’t say a thing, he just sat there smiling and chuckling to himself.
That’s how I remember him best.
I love you Greg, and miss you. Hey now maybe you can actually relax and rest in peace my friend.
Don’t Cry For Long
===================
When I die just let me lye. I don’t want you to cry for long. For I have lived a good life. Just remember the good times we shared, Remember the times we laughed, Remember the times we fell and got up again. Remember how we were friends. Don’t shed tears for long when I die. Just let me lye. In times of need when you feel like you can’t go on, Surround yourself around good friends for this will make you Strong. For I have now gone on and left something so precious; LIFE, I have no more to sacrifice. No more to give for I have given, but rest now and wait for Heaven. So, Don’t Cry For Long, sing a happy song for this I know, life must go on. So stay strong and do all your best and then one day you too can find rest. So don’t fuss or fight, and don’t second guess. I will always love you so don’t stress. I’ll be watching from Heaven sitting behind my new desk.
We miss you Greg. Respectfully,
Written by Azziem The Dream C2011
I knew Greg when he was in High School. I haven’t seen him in 30 years but I remember him fondly. He, Nestor Mitchell and I had good times palling around in those early days. Greg was a good friend and although I was not part of his life for a long time I am richer for having known him. He was always a steady, straight forward, friendly, and stand up guy. I am saddened to learn he was so ill and sorry we lost touch – especially as it turns out we lived so close to one another.
I am the leader of a large public employee union based in Seattle. I knew Greg as a union colleague for many years. He was a person of high integrity and deep compassion. He was a skilled advocate for those he represented. I had great respect and admiration for him. He spent his life unselfishly, fighting for others. It hurts to lose him and my heart goes out to everyone in his family. You have my deepest sympathy. He was one of a kind and he will be deeply missed.
Dearest Slaughter Family,
I will not forget meeting Greg when you first all moved to Kennewick. We became friends at Highland Jr. High school. I would get invited over to his home and his mom and dad were always so kind to me. I will hold your family up in prayers. I appreciate that I got to know Greg. God’s Peace passes All Understandings. Philippians 4:7
May our Heavenly Father keep you and your family in His loving care and give you strenth in your hour of sorrow. May His blessing continue to be with you. I will keep you all in prayer.
When Greg sat across the table from mgmt to negotiate our contract I knew our group was always in great hands. Greg was so classy and smart. He had a way of calming the storm with his coolness.He made me proud to be a teamster. Greg touched my life and will never be forgotten.
To the Slaughter Family,
I too was a co-worker of Greg’s at Local 117. He always was a quite and gentle soul. No bravado. No brash talk. Calm and always in control. And he had the coolest sweaters!! I will miss his presence at the Local! A great son for sure!
I am sorry to read about Greg Slaughter’s passing. I remember Greg so well from Kamiakin High School where he serve as such a noble role model. I hope his family is proud of his unique place in history in the Kennewick Schools. I am proud to have met him. Mr.Slaughter, the world is a better place because you were here. Thank you. I was the parking lot security guy.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you have many people praying for you & your family during this time!
Mark Barker
Lead Pastor
Columbia Community Church
I am so sorry for your loss. I never knew Greg but I heard about him from John & Mary. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
To Betsy,Mary,John and Family:
May you find comfort in knowing that we share your pain, sorrow and sadness,we also share your precious memories,happiness and laughter. Greg is at Peace and may GOD continue to grant us Peace. GOD always know best.
Love and Prayers,
Uncle Tony & Mama #2Aunt Olivia
Dear Slaughter Family,
Please know how much you are loved and how deeply your loss is felt by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Celia, Reggie, Dominque, Jasmine, and Grant Shells
We never had the privilege of knowing Greg but knowing his parents we know he must have been a wonderful man.
You all are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. God bless, keep and comfort you.
Dear Slaughter Family,
My heart aches for you. I am sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father help you during your time of sorrow.
I will always appreciate all that Greg did for the zoo keeper staff, and for how much he helped me, personally. I loved how he would kick my leg, under the table, when he felt I was saying too much during meetings with zoo managers! He was kind, smart, and always a gentleman. The world is a better place because of you, Greg.
I knew Greg through his representation of workers at the Seattle Aquarium. I appreciated his concern for their welfare, as well as his interest in the future of the Aquarium and its Mission. I know I speak for all of us in expressing sympathy to his family at this great loss.
Bob Davidson, CEO
Seattle Aquarium
Sorry to hear that Greg had passed away. He negotiated our union contract a couple of times. A true professional, and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Sincerly, Mark Parsons
I am so sorry to hear that Greg has passed. I really valued Greg’s work as our Teamsters shop business representative.It was a tough job with out much in the way of appreciation. Thanks, Greg.
Greg was a wonderful human being and I will miss his great example. I represented management in negotiations and Greg was often my worthy adversary representing the union. I appreciated his honesty and integrity in representing the union’s interest, and felt he did a very capable job in probing for the best possible settlement for his membership. He was constructive and a problem-solver. We usually worked out settlements that balanced both union and management interests. I will miss his professionalism and look forward to seeing him in the next life where we will not be professional adversaries but simply friends.
I knew Greg through our work at Teamsters 117. He helped mentor me in the crafts of negotiations. Greg was a very kind man that was know throughout the region as such. I will miss him and hearing his distinct shuffle coming down the halls of 117. Rest in Peace Greg.
I’m Truly saddened to hear this news. Greg was a wonderful man and colleague. A treat to be at the negotiating table with him many times where he just excelled. I’ll miss his laugh, his personality, but mostly I’ll miss my Friend.. RIP ~Greg
I met Greg in 1968. He just moved to Kennewick, and was tne new guy. We became friends almost immediately. Simular interests: sports, music, girls, etc. We definitely made High School a fun time. After graduation, he left for WSU in the Fall of ’72, and we kept in touch over the next few years, but eventually went different directions. I’ll always treasure the good times we had and the character he possessed. I’ll never, never forget him. One last note: I still have and use the manicure set he gave me for graduation. So long buddy. You were the best!
Bryan Carey, Good Friend
Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by everyone that knew him around King County. God Bless.
Love and prayers from our family to you.
I met Greg at Kamiakin HS and we became close and true friends for those years and into college. I loved Greg and his family, too, but I was very shy around them being an awkward teenager. Greg was polished and charming; I enjoyed his intelligence, energy, good humor and deep spirit. I know he’s gone on to a special place and look forward to seeing him again some day. I pray for God to protect and comfort his family and friends at this very hard time.
You will surely be missed. I will always have fond memories of family vacation weekends, birthday celebrations and trips over the pass. As you are at peace, I wish for peace and comfort for your family.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all of Greg’s family, and I send prayers to all.
Greg, it was great to have worked with you at Teamsters 117. You will be missed.
My condolences to Betsy, and all of Greg’s family. Greg was a very private person, who obviously had a great struggle with his health the past couple of years, in particular. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was very quiet, but gentle and kind, with a wry sense of humor. He also was always very well turned out in his attire, even when it was casual. He didn’t allow us to get to know him very well, but he will be missed. God’s blessings on him and his family in this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Joe Tessier
Executive Director Retired
Teamsters Local 117
It is so terribly sad to lose someone so wonderful. My heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to Greg’s family and friends.
You will be missed!
Deena Local #763
Although we never met the Slaughter children, we have heard so much about them from John and Mary. We know that Greg was dearly loved.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and will keep them in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Walter and Minerva
April 25,2011
Chattanooga,TN
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of bereavement. I have the pleasure of knowing Greg’s aunts in Chattanooga and have met his parents. I know that he must be a fine caliber of person, who I’m sure will be deeply missed. May God be with you and may the love and support of family and friends help to sustain you now and in the days ahead.
May God bless you,
Lynette
Second Missionary Baptist Church
Betsy, John and Mary Slaughter and family,
Your lost touches our hearts in a special way. We hope you know that you are not alone because our caring thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Betsy, John and Mary Slaughter and family,
Your lost touches our hearts in a special way. We hope you know that you are not alone because our caring thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
Betsy, John and Mary Slaughter and family,
Your lost touches our hearts in a special way. We hope you know that you are not alone because our caring thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.