morning, August 2, 2006 at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, VT.
He was a native and life-long resident of Claremont, NH born on October 6,
1950, the son of Kenneth W. and Dolores J. (Hardy) Blish. He attended St.
Mary's School and earned his GED in the military.
Robert was a veteran of the US Marine Corps enlisting at the age of 17 and
sent to Vietnam at the age of 18. He was assigned to "I" Company, 3rd
Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He participated in Operations
against Communist Forces, Operation BOLD Mariner, Operation RUSSELL Beach,
Operation DEFIANT MEASURES, Operation TAYLOR COMMON, and Operation OKLAHOMA HILLS. He also participated in US Naval Operations as a member of the SLF, BLT 3/26, 9th MAB. He participated and engaged in the direct defense and
support of the City of Danang where he sustained shrapnel wound to the right
hip, after which he was hospitalized and then returned home.
Robert was awarded two purple hearts and the RVN Cross of Gallantry.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
The surviving family includes his parents of Claremont; four sisters,
Deborah L. Snelling of Claremont, Vicki Wilbur of Gilsum, Jodean McLean of
Concord, Karla Blake of Hartland, VT; four brothers, Van McClelland of
Massachusetts, Randy McClelland of Farmington Vt, Alan McClelland of Florida
and Gary McClelland of East Thetford VT; and several aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street on Friday
evening, from 6 to 8 PM.
A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, August 5th at Ten O' Clock at
the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Margaret Long, Pastor,
officiating.
Interment will follow in Union Cemetery.
The family suggest that donations may be made in his memory to IMANI 294
North Winooski Ave, Burlington VT 05401. IMANI Health Institute provides
education and awareness for people living with the AIDS virus. Slugger was
instrumental in forming the Vermont Chapter, his work included educations
and counseling. Donations can also be made to Red Elephant Cafe, care of
Claremont School District 165 Broad Street Claremont NH 03743. Slugger
worked with troubled youth in the Scared Straight Program to help educate
and direct kids to the right path. Red Elephant Cafe is a youth run center,
that gives teens a place to go and access to outreach programs.