Kyle C. Slocum

1964 - 2015

Each morning, he would wake and thank God for another day. At night, he would say how lucky we are. Everywhere in between, he made all of us better people, made us laugh and reminded us of the immense value of our family and friends. He knew he was truly blessed in his life, and we were blessed to have had him in ours. Kyle C. Slocum, 50, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015 surrounded by family. Kyle was born on December 30, 1964 in Waterbury, and according to his mother was a perfect son (she is entirely unbiased). He was raised in Cheshire and has lived in West Hartford for the past 22 years. He studied at the University of Connecticut to become a Landscape Architect (and a rabid Huskies basketball fan). Kyle was a partner, studio leader, member of the Board of Directors and Landscape Architect at the SLAM Collaborative where he leaves behind his second family, the LA (Landscape Architecture) Studio. In their words¿"Kyle was a great friend and mentor who, by no accident happened to be our boss." His gratitude and respect for the SLAM team are only rivaled by their respect and gratitude for him¿for being a great leader, partner, mentor and someone that could find humor in almost any situation. Kyle was a great husband and father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Toporek (Slocum) and his kids, Cameron and Thatcher; his mom, Geraldine Slocum; his brother, Shaun (wife Nancy); sister, Sharon King; brothers, Kevin (wife Kathy) and Tim. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces (who he adored) and their husbands, wives, partners and children. Kyle is predeceased by his father, Charles Slocum, his brother Kerry and his sister-in-law, Kristen (Tim's wife). Kyle is survived by many incredible friends, including long-time friends Kurt Hekeler, William Berg and William Kenny who shared many youthful adventures. Kyle had a passion for cars (especially fast ones), food (but only good food), music, traveling, vacation with family, landscape architecture, and most of all, family and friends. He loved his kids to infinity and more. Kyle's creativity and humor carried over into all parts of his life. He was a craftsman around the house¿ painting, constructing, creating sculpture, or building projects and pinewood derby cars with his daughter and son. Kyle always had a way to make us smile and laugh through his witty observations, his sense of humor and words of wisdom, such as¿"Slocums aren't quitters," "think before wearing spandex," and "what good is a fast car if you don't drive it fast." We love you and miss you Kyle. Your spirit, your wit and your love will be with us forever. Kyle's wake will take place on Friday, June 26th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. The funeral will be on Saturday, June 27th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. A reception will take place following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The National Brain Tumor Society or to an education fund being created for Kyle's children. To donate to the fund online please visit www.gofundme.com/kyleslocum. To donate by check watch for instructions on kyleslocum.blogspot.com.