William I. Slee, of Santa Ana, Calif., and formerly of Philipsburg, died at home Sunday, Aug. 13, just shy of his 92nd birthday.
He was born Dec. 8, 1925 to William and Esther (Johnston) Slee.
He attended Ninth Street Elementary School, where he met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Humphrey.
He graduated from the Philipsburg High School in 1943. His classmates nicknamed him “Colonel” and voted him Most Popular Senior Boy.
He served as class president and was a member of the newspaper and automobile clubs on campus.
He entered the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return to Philipsburg, he married Jackie on April 4, 1947. They celebrated 61 years of wedded bliss before her passing Aug. 4, 2008.
During those years, he began a long, successful career with Beckman Instruments. He joined Beckman in November of 1956.
His career began as a sales representative in New Jersey. His subsequent positions included regional manager, marketing manager of the Scientific Instruments Division, assistant operations manager of the Clinical Instruments Operation and manager of the Science Essentials Operation.
Mr. Slee, or “The Chief” as they liked to call him at work, retired in July of 1989. He received many notes of thanks for all he had done for so many. They talked about his spirit, professionalism and integrity.
As one employee said, “You leave behind a rich legacy of people that have had the privilege to work under you.”
He enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. There were fishing trips to Montana and Minnesota every year and plenty of golf.
In his later years, he enjoyed his daily cigars and daily visits from long-time friends, Hal Madsen and Frank Gibson.
He greeted all the neighbors as they drove, biked or walked their dogs by his driveway.
After Jackie’s passing, he got what most don’t get, a second chance at love. He married Mary Louise Marshall on June 19, 2010.
This brought him much joy and the companionship he needed. She now resides in Georgia near her family.
He is survived by Mary (Marshall) Slee; a sister-in-law, Darlene Humphrey of Philipsburg; and several nieces, nephews and god-children.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jacquelyn (Humphrey) Slee; mother, Esther (Johnston) Slee; aunt, Violet Brumbaugh; and brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Humphrey.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 406 E. Presqueisle St., Philipsburg, with the Rev. Fr. Robert McKay IV officiating.
Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery with military honors conducted by members of the Philipsburg American Legion John Ashley Dennis Jr. Post 437.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Moshannon Valley Branch of the Centre County YMCA, P.O. Box 426, Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.
