TRAVERSE CITY - Matthew James Slater, 18, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, June 27th of congenital heart failure. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior while swimming with his friends.
Born Oct. 19, 1982, in Traverse City, he was the son of Gary L. and Janice M. (Kidd) Slater.
A 2001 graduate of Traverse City Central High School with high honors, Matt was a gifted artist who was planning on attending Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. He was a member of Church of the Living God, and received great fulfillment from participating in their youth group ministries; including traveling with them to Mexico. He and his family were also missionaries in Jamaica from 1995-1997. Matt was very involved with community service activities and as an athlete, enjoyed cross country, track and wrestling for three years in high school. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family.
Along with his parents, Gary and Janice Slater of Traverse City, Matt is also survived by one sister, Anne E. Slater; two brothers, Benjamin O. Slater and Daniel A. Slater, all at home; maternal grandfather, Walter L. (Cheryl) Kidd of Traverse City; maternal grandmother, Cynthia Clark of Traverse City; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Garrett and Bertha Slater.

(excerpts from Traverse City Record-Eagle)