Elgin man remembered for his good nature, loving heart

Whether he was hanging out at his favorite coffee shop or lending customers a helping hand with their purchases, David Raymond Slater always had a smile on his face and a high-five waiting, friends and family of the 24-year-old Elgin resident said.

Slater died Thursday in a swimming pool incident in Campton Hills. The cause of death is unknown and the investigation is continuing, according to the Kane County Coroner's office.

"David was genuinely open and giving," said Winston Slater, David's father. "He was always considerate of others and had many positive attributes and not many of the ones that lead people to gossip and do mean things. He had a warm heart and a kind and outgoing personality."

Friends said Slater was attending a barbecue at a friend's house when the accident happened about 9:30 p.m.

Shep Kirk, 20, of Elgin, who was at the gathering, said Slater was jumping in and out of the pool, "having a great time."

Campton Hills Police could not be reached for comment Monday.

Slater, who most recently worked at the Elgin Menards store, had a passion for everything he did, friends said. Slater, who suffered a near-fatal head injury at 7 months, was an airplane enthusiast, coffee connoisseur, music lover and faithful Christian, friends said. He was also passionate in his friendly acknowledgments.

"He loved to give high-fives," said Peggy Hayes, an assistant at CRAVE, the college ministry of Christ Community Church in St. Charles. "He was so passionate that it was almost painful. He didn't know his own strength."

His biggest passion, though, was his 5-year-old daughter, Bethany. Those closest to Slater said he treasured the time he spent with his daughter, from walking through nature preserves to watching movies.

He also loved to play guitar and work on his laptop at his favorite haunt, Caribou Coffee in Elgin. Friends there said he was always eager to talk and listen to people. It wasn't uncommon to find Slater at the store from open to close, friends said.

"David was just constantly excited to see people," said Holly Poole, 25, one of many Caribou Coffee employees who befriended Slater. "He would run out to the parking lot to greet people before he came in the store. He had a contagious attitude and everybody liked him."

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Country Evangelical Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road, Campton Hills. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park St., Hampshire, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the services Thursday, at the church.