Edward Slater, age 88, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Quentin Burdick Memorial Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Edward Jerome Slater was born on November 28, 1937 in St. John, ND to John and Mary (McGillis) Slater.  He was raised in St. John and graduated from St. John High School in 1957, where he was known as an outstanding basketball player and developed his lifelong love for the game.

On November 8, 1958, Edward was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Ann (Gourneau) Slater.  Together they built a life grounded in faith, love, and devotion to family.  Edward and Mary Ann were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Brenda, LouAnn, and Sandy, whom they lovingly raised while moving to various places throughout California in their younger years.  During that time, Edward attended vocational school for welding and worked for a Ford manufacturing company.  Eventually, they returned home, where he worked in maintenance for the local school and at the missile sites before beginning what would become his lifelong calling as a bus driver.  Edward first drove for Ojibwa School and later for Turtle Mountain School, dedicating 30 years to safely transporting generations of children before his retirement.

Edward's greatest passion was horse racing.  What began as a shared activity with his father and brothers grew into more than 50 years of racing alongside his children, grandchildren, and nephews.  He owned many exceptional horses and cherished the countless stories made at tracks across the United States and Canada.

A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Edward played independent ball with local athletes and proudly spoke of his Woodchuck team. He faithfully supported local players from St. John, Belcourt, and Dunseith, often being the first one seated in the gym, eagerly awaiting tipoff.  He was truly everyone's number one fan.

Edward was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith.  He never missed Saturday Mass, often arriving an hour early, and faithfully attended Adoration each Wednesday.  A candle was always lit in his home as a quiet testament to his unwavering belief.

He also enjoyed spending time at the casino, playing Texas Hold'em, betting horses, and trying his luck on the machines. At home, he found joy in the companionship of his beloved puppy, Prince – affectionately known as his "football player."

Edward was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann, his parents, his brothers, Francis Slater, William (Bill) Slater, and Lawrence (Peteson) Slater, and his siters, Elise Slater, Eleanor (Slater) Bober, and Albina Slater. He was also preceded in death by his children, Sandy Slater and Baby Boy Slater.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Brenda Slater and LouAnn Slater; his grandchildren, Shannon Hajicek, Mark Hajicek, Marshall Allery, Eddie Joe Allery, Jodi Hajicek, Austin Jeannotte, and Travis Slater; and his 17 great grandchildren.  He also held a special place in his heart for his Godchildren, Clayton Slater, Shelly Ann Slater, Charles Blue Sr., Anna LaFountain, Ellie Halverson, and Jodi Hajicek.

Above all, Edward was a positive and devoted family role model. He remained faithful to his wife, living 15 years after her passing, carrying her memory with him every day.  He adored each of his children and grandchildren, and they were his greatest pride and joy.

Edward's legacy of faith, dedication, sportsmanship, storytelling, and unconditional love will live on through the many lives he touched.

Casket Bearers are Shannon Hajicek, Mark Hajicek, Marshall Allery, Eddie Joe Allery, Austin Jeannotte, Travis Slater, Greyson Greybear, and Issac Hajicek. Honorary Bearers are all friends, nephews, and extended family. Rosary will be led by Kurt and Carla Peltier. Readers are Jackie Giron and Sister Fostina. Eulogy will be read by granddaughter and Godchild, Jodi Hajicek. Music by Chad Marcellais. Eucharistic Gifts by Godchild, Shelly Ann Slater and her daughter, Ryhlin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.