Palo Alto Online - Lasting Memories - Harvey Slate's memorial
Home
Memorial
Email

Harvey Slate
March 19, 1928-June 26, 2016
Menlo Park, California

Harvey Slate passed away peacefully on June 26. Following the loss of Barb, his beloved wife of 54 years, just three months prior.

Born in Minneapolis to Margaret (Nathanson) and Morris Slate, he enjoyed shows his cousins performed in their basement and sparked a future career path by selling newspapers on the street corner. Following Morris’ death, Harvey moved to Tucson, Arizona, as a young boy with his mother and older brother. In Tucson, he established a new, extended family of lifelong friends, attended Tucson High School and received a Bachelor of Science in advertising from the University of Arizona.

The U.S. Army brought Harvey to California, where he served in the 6th Infantry Division as a Counter Intelligence Corps special agent from June 1951 through July 1953, and as a reservist until 1960. His outgoing nature led to a career in sales and marketing of consumer products including Crown Zellerbach paper, Spice Island, Foremost McKesson and National Coupon Redemption Service.

In 1960, his life changed forever when he met Barbara Rubin and fell deeply in love. They married in 1961, residing in San Mateo, and the next year welcomed their first bundle of joy, Pam. During a brief relocation to Southern California, their second daughter, Sally, was born. Shortly thereafter, he moved his family back to the Bay Area and settled into a home in Felton Gables, Menlo Park, which would be the family home for over 45 years.

He left his mark on the community, supporting the Menlo Park schools and becoming a volunteer for the JustREAD program in schools. In Felton Gables, he spearheaded the annual July 4 celebration and neighborhood cocktail party. He was a faithful friend to Allied Arts and the Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital for over 43 years.

He made friends wherever he went until his last day, calling everyone he met by name. Known for his great sense of humor and Seinfeld references, his corniest jokes brought him tearful, quaking laughter. A Warriors, Giants, Niners and Arizona Wildcats (Bear Down!) fan as well as a Stanford pro-tailgater, Harvey enjoyed a weekly golf game, bridge group and a lifelong fitness regimen. He appreciated a competitive game of gin rummy, dominoes and cribbage on his train commute or with his grandchildren.

He is survived by daughters Pam Brunson of Agoura Hills, California and Sally Lee of Boulder, Colorado; grandchildren Jackson Lee, K.C. Brunson and Colin Brunson; sons-in-law John Brunson and James Lee; and beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws and a host of friends. In addition to his wife Barbara, he is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert.

Two organizations close to his heart would be grateful for contributions in his honor: The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network http://www.bcan.org/engage/donate-and-change-a-life/ and Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital http://supportlpch.org/ways-give.

Harvey loved a party and will be celebrated with one on July 29, 2016 at 11:30am at Quadrus Conference Center, Menlo Park. Please join us for this casual gathering for a buffet lunch and to raise a glass and share stories of Harv.

Tags: veteran

Remembrances
1 entry Submit a remembrance
From Nancy Redman Borelli
July 18, 2016
Harvey was my mother, Dorothy Nathanson Redman's, first cousin. Dorothy, who was eleven years older than Harvey, frequently described him as "such an adorable little boy". And, as I remember how he and his brother Bob and their families took me un...
Read more
Memorial service
Harvey loved a party and will be celebrated with one on July 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Quadrus Conference Center, Menlo Park. Please join us for this casual gathering for a buffet lunch and to raise a glass and share stories about Harvey.
Make a donation
Two organizations close to Harvey’s heart would be grateful for contributions in his honor: The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network http://www.bcan.org/engage/donate-and-change-a-life/ and Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital http://supportlpch.org/ways-give

About this site     Contact us