Dr. Donald Slocum

SLOCUM--Dr. Donald, a biochemist and resident of Convent Station, NJ, was justly proud of his invention of Corian solid surface, the first product of its kind and now widely used in homes and industry for counter surfaces and many other applications. This unique product created a major worldwide solid surface industry, which has grown every year for the last 40 years and now consists of dozens of products and manufacturers. In the biological sciences, Dr. Slocum was among the earliest researchers to propose and demonstrate the role of free radicals as agents in stimulated and aberrant growth of cells. He was a prolific inventor and creative scientist with several patented inventions. He also served in executive leadership roles in several major corporations, including DuPont, Hoffman La Roche, Curtiss-Wright, and Masonite, from which he retired as Senior Vice President of Technology. He also was a writer, lecturer and teacher during his highly active career. Dr. Slocum was born in Flushing, NY, and received degrees from Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia, the University of Vermont, and The Ohio State University. Dr. Slocum served in the Korean conflict in the 194th Engineer Combat Battalion and retired from the U.S. Army reserves as a Colonel after 30 years of service. He was highly decorated for his service and will be interred in the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Don was an inspired scientist, a talented executive, a gentleman in every sense of the word, and an inspiration to others. Always humble about his accomplishments, he was still able to share his experiences in an engaging and enthralling manner. Dr. Slocum is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Ruane. Donations in Dr. Slocum's name may be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, DUMC 3624, Durham, NC 27710.