Brian James Slater

NISKAYUNA – Brian James Slater lost his struggle with his disease on Saturday, January 7, 2012. He was born in Niskayuna and was a graduate of Shaker High School and attended the College of St. Rose in Albany. Brian was a master of many things. He was a lover of the arts and had great vision for aesthetics. Brian was a true lover of nature and the beauty it brought us. He was a mechanical wizard with cars and anything to do with electronics. Brian was deeply sensitive and a talented poet and songwriter. He was a self-taught musician who could entertain everyone with the beautiful songs he wrote. Above all, Brian was a comedian and could bring a smile to your face and make you laugh with his many imitations, even when in your darkest mood. Brian's greatest moments and joys were spent on Christmas and the holidays with his family. He was a masterful cook, a huge fan of the Grateful Dead and there was nothing he loved more than riding motorcycles with his father. Brian was a kind and loving soul who touched many people. Most importantly, he was very protective of his little sister. Brian leaves behind his beloved parents, Barbara and James Slater and his sister who he loved unconditionally, Erin Lee Slater. He also leaves behind his soul mate, fiancé and greatest love of his life, April Hotaling. He is the loving nephew of Karen and Raymond Peter, Rosemarie and Alexander Torossian, Robert Slater, whom he loved with all his heart, and his cousins, Morgan and Devin Torossian. Brian was predeceased by his grandparents, "Ga Ga and Pop", Rosemarie and William Shallcross and "Grandma and Grandpa", Marilyn and Robert Slater. He talked lovingly about them until the day he left us. Brian also leaves behind his closest friends who he always would introduce as "his brothers", Christopher Burnett, Timothy Wood, James Chiefari and Scott Costello.
Funeral services will be Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 in memory of Brian James Slater. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com
To all of those who knew and loved Brian, please rejoice in having known him and know that our loving son is now at peace and his chains are broken, and he is now free. Always keep him in your hearts, and remember he loved all of you. There has never been a more compassionate and loving soul. As Brian would end every letter, I leave this for you in his own words……"Think good thoughts and do good deeds."