Hello, my name is Matthew Slacum and I am writing this on behalf of family and friends, but most importantly for my father. I am requesting donations in memory of my late father, Robert (Bob) Preston Slacum, born September 12, 1948, in Cambridge, Maryland.

The funds raised will be split evenly between two charities, 100% minus the small fee for GoFundMe.

Dad passed away from his battle with pancreatic cancer on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 04:16 hours. It was a hard yearlong battle that he approached with courage and strength.

He was the strongest man I knew and put up a fight as good as anyone could. Through it all, I watched as he took each challenge the sickness threw at him head-on, never backing down and never mad at the awful card he had been dealt. Even toward the end, I learned so much from him. I believe he knew his fate and made sure that he spoke with the people important in his life before he passed. I know he did not get to speak with everyone, but it was not for lack of trying. The last year, I was fortunate enough to visit as much as I possibly could.

Robert Preston Slacum played the most important role in my life; he was my father, dad, and friend. He always did everything in his power to make sure my brother, Nathan Slacum, and I were always provided for and loved. He chose his partner in life, Kathy Poehler, as the person he wanted to share all his memories and experiences with.

I am grateful that these two will always be in my kids’ lives and hold the loving titles of Grandma Kathy and Grandpop Bob.

My dad always taught me to go after my dreams (responsibly). While on one of my many trips home to visit, I learned that Cambridge, Maryland, held an Ironman triathlon. After Dad passed, I thought it would be a good way for me to honor his memory in my own way.

On September 20, 2025, I am going to swim, bike, and run the IRONMAN Maryland in memory of Robert Preston Slacum, through the river and streets in which Dad was raised.

The first charity will be the Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Johns Hopkins was Dad’s alma mater, class of 1970.

The second will be to Gilchrist Hospice Care-Towson. They kept their promise of quality, compassionate care, counseling, and support to people at every stage of serious illness.

For more information, you can visit www.GrandPopBob.com. I will be updating with pictures, training, and stories provided.