VERN WILLIAM "BILL" SLAYTON

Wasilla resident Vern William "Bill" Slayton, 78 died Thursday, April 14, 2005 at his home, of lung cancer. At his request, there will be no services and interment will be at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, in Anchorage.

Mr. Slayton was born Dec. 3, 1926 in Belle Fourche, S.D. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and he was discharged in 1946. He was a resident of Auburn, Wash., where he was a self-employed independent contractor until 1972, when he moved to Alaska. He was hired at Unocal Oil, from which he retired in 1995.

Mr. Slayton loved being at home and tending his yard, watching birds and wildlife. His family said, "He lived his life as he wanted, and always had friends along the way. Special thanks to his caretakers from Hospice and his ending journey and to his friend, B.J., for tending to his care."

He is survived by his children, Mary Jo of Auburn, Wash., Debbie of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Brad of Auburn, Wash., Cindy of Minneapolis, Marty of Anchorage, Jim of Graham, Wash., and Suzie of Edgewood, Wash.; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Kelly Croskey of Kenai, and companion, Maggie Grier of Wasilla. He was preceded in death by his third wife, Muriel. His soul joins the love of his life, Shirley.

Family and friends may leave memorial tributes at www.mem.com. Arrangements were provided by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.