By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE — Hagersville has lost a cherished community member in Russ “Buck” Slote, who passed peacefully at the West Haldimand General Hospital on July 15, 2023 at 85 years old.
Buck served many roles in his beloved community of Hagersville over the years, serving as Hagersville’s councillor long before Haldimand County was its own corporation. Perhaps his biggest legacy though is the 46 years he spent as a firefighter, including as a Chief of Hagersville’s volunteer fire department.
In fact, Buck was among those on the scene in 1990 battling Hagersville’s infamous tire fire. The story was reported far and wide, with Slote’s quote after the blaze was finally extinguished, “It’s out, man, it’s history,” being published in newspapers around Canada and the United States. The Press pulled the quote from an archive edition of the Orlando Sentinel dated March 1, 1990.
Slote did stints throughout his career as both a mechanic and a truck driver.
He was also a long-standing member of the Hagersville Lions Club, was involved as a player and coach in various local sports leagues, and was actively involved in making sure local kids got the chance to meet Santa every year as part of Hagersville’s annual Christmas celebrations.
The following thoughts were shared by some of Buck’s friends in the community, who will remember him for kindness, generosity, and commitment to Hagersville.
Longtime friend Bonnie McKinnon shared, “In the days before the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce provided the Evening with Santa after the parade, Santa made his appearance at the Hagersville fire hall. Buck always made sure the old fire truck was available so that Santa greeted the children while sitting on the back of the truck outside the fire hall.
“When inclement weather was predicted, Buck always made sure that Barb Gee and myself were able to ensure Santa could visit with children inside the fire hall. When we decided to have a house on the market square for Santa and it was getting near the time of his arrival and the house was still under construction, Buck headed up a contingent of helpers from the Legion to complete the fabrication of the house and it was ready for Santa. After that evening, the ‘Just Ask’ Club was formed and anything that was needed to complete a project Barb and I were involved in, all we had to do was ‘Just Ask’!”
Speaking on behalf of the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce, President Rob Phillips said, “Buck Slote will be forever remembered for his leadership as Fire Chief of the Hagersville Fire Department, especially from those infamous days of the Hagersville Tire Fire. Buck truly knew what it meant to serve and protect our community as a firefighter…. Buck was always there to support the Chamber of Commerce, particularly when it came to arranging the visits with Santa and the various previous versions of our community Santa Claus parade…. Our thoughts of support and remembrance go out to the entire Slote family.”
Local business owner Tim Otterman of Tim’s Tires offered, “I knew Buck as a good friend and a great leader as I was in the Hagersville Fire Department for 20 years, with Buck being my chief for approximately 10 years. Buck was a GREAT leader, and at the same time, a great friend, which in this day and age, that’s very hard to do, or even find people that can do that.
“Buck was always on the job 24/7. He cared about this community when it came to safety for sure and also cared about the community and the people in it as he cared about the younger people growing up, and also had SO MUCH RESPECT for the younger and older people as well … again this day and age, very hard to find.
“As a whole I know all the firefighters I was on with and all the friends I have in this community will miss Buck and his presence in this community. Buck will never be forgotten!”
As Buck’s time as a councillor took place prior to 1974, there isn’t any remaining staff at the County’s Administration building who were there during his tenure. However, today’s Council had the following to share on Buck’s passing: “Haldimand County Council would like to offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Ross (Buck) Slote, former Councillor for the Village of Hagersville prior to the regional government structure being implemented. Buck’s commitment to volunteering for the Hagersville community over the years, and in particular his dedication to the fire department, was admirable and much appreciated.”
The Press sends our regards to all who knew and loved Buck.
