SLYE, Richard Paul Jr.SLYE, Richard Paul Jr. - Born in Charlotte, N.C., on May 2, 1943, passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home Tuesday morning, October 2,2007. Richard was predeceased by his mother, Anna Lee Davis Slye; his father, Richard Paul Slye Sr.; his brother, Mike Slye, who passed away only two weeks ago. Rick loved life and devoted his time to many passions. He was an incredible musician, having started playing drums in the South for greats like Sam and Dave and Otis Redding. He remained an expert on and avid fan of jazz, blues and R&:B throughout his life. He was dedicated to progressive movements and politics. As a young man in Atlanta, Rick became politically active in the Civil Rights movement with Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference and in the peace movement with the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. An opponent of the Vietnam War, Rick chose to leave the United States when his draft card came up. Rick was an active artist, producing work for many books, magazines and posters. He was also an avid gardener, which for him was another form of art. A cineaste of incredible breadth, Rick was an avid film watcher. He followed the national cinemas of many countries and became an authority on progressive cinema. Rick contributed regular film reviews to Canadian Dimension and loved the film classes he taught at the Marxist Institute in Toronto. He also kept up a regular Wednesday film night where people could see films from around the world and discuss them in a political context. Rick enjoyed few things more than an opportunity to open our eyes to a new way of seeing things. He was an intellectual, always passing on knowledge and analysis of politics and the world to whoever was lucky enough to spend time with him. He was a huge personality. Most incredible, was Rick as a grandfather. He spent time with his grandchildren every day. He focused on them and believed in giving them his full attention. He was a blazing star of hope and will. 'There is still time to change the world". Rick is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Slye; his daughter, Deedee Slye; his son-in-law, Matthew Hebb and his grandchildren, Madeline Elizabeth Kate Hebb and Dashiell Richard George Hebb. The family will receive friends and relatives 6-8 p.m. Friday October 5 in J. A. Snow Funeral Home,2666 Windsor St. Halifax. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Toronto. Richard was sitting in with us at Bearly's last Sunday and was looking, and sounding great. You just never know ....