David R. Slater

Granby - Husband,Dad, Vietnam DAV, Artist and Springfield Firefighter whose murals are in various fire stations across the city; an Inventor, and builder of fast, trick Fordcars has left this world quietly and without regret on December 6, 2013.  He left his mark on everyone who enjoyed his storytelling, owns his tattoo flash or attended one of his pig roasts.  A passion for customizing Triumph motorcycleswas a large part of his life as were all the people he met who will surely talk about his sometimes outrageous talents!  He enjoyed coffee shop political oratory, awell-told joke, working in the garage, sharing a lead on some affordable carparts, and cutting the veggies for Susie’s endless pots of soup.  A member of the famous backyard club “memberswithout a clue” and a frequent visitor to Lazer Automotive and Mark’s Garage toverbally encourage the ongoing hotrod buildup. He could always be counted onfor keen engineering observations which he kindly shared! He will be forever missedby his wife, Susie and his daughter Kelley, who inherited many of his talents,as well as an eclectic collection of friends and acquaintances  Born into a large family in Raeford, NorthCarolina he leaves three brothers, Dale of Wiggins, MS; Troy of Biloxi, MS; andTerry, also from Biloxi.  His sistersinclude Sharon of Biloxi, MS and Phyllis of Ashville, N.C. He is predeceased byhis Mom, Nellie and his Dad, Roy, of Gulfport, MS and two sisters, Alice ofRaeford, N.C. and Diane of Biloxi, MS. A Memorial get-together in the spring will follow ceremonies at the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam. The family has entrusted New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA with the arrangements. Please visit www.nefcc.net for more information