Pedaling the C & O Canal for PanCAN
In Memory Of
Edward Thron 1932-1991
It's been almost fifteen years since my father lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer but I can still vividly remember his determination in trying to beat this deadly disease. I could see it was a painful struggle but he kept finding the courage and resolve to seek out new treatments to try and defeat it.
For me, this ride is to honor him, his life and his battle with pancreatic cancer. I want to take that same determinition that he had battling cancer and apply it to this bike ride and hope this will raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and possibly help find a cure so that others may not suffer.
My dad was born August 12th, 1932 in Baltimore, MD. Edward Thron was a graduate of the University of Maryland's School of Pharmacy and went on to became a licensed pharmacist. From there he moved into a successful career as a pharmacuitical sales representative. He was
a loving father, grandfather, husband, son, uncle and friend of many. He was a gardener and avid Baltimore Colt's fan (until they left town) and he had a great sense of humor.
He would always encourage my ideas and taught me many things in my life including how to fish, his love of nature and how to have a fun and positive outlook on life. He forged lasting memories with me that will not fade away even after these years since he succumbed to pancreatic cancer.
- Michael Thron
Robert Peter Bartell 1944-1995
I will never forget the valuable lessons my father taught me and invaluable experiences he created for me as a child. He showed me, through his actions and his own experiences that keeping an open mind, following your heart, and hard work lead to a fulfilling and enriching life. One of the most important things he taught me was to be true to your feelings. It is his inspiration that drives me to complete our goal of completing the C&O Canal Ride in support of PANCAN.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, he attended the University of Wisconsin where he met my mother. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, he served two years in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground. After leaving the Army he spent his career working as a civilian at Edgewood Arsenal and retired from the Army Environmental Center, earning a Masters Degree in Personnel Management along the way. His career offered our family many travel opportunities including a summer in the Sierras of California, two months in Colorado, and a year in Seattle. On these excursions many weekends were spent camping, and it was these experiences that helped spur the love for travel and the outdoors that exists in me and my three older bothers.
My dad passed away from the effects of Pancreatic Cancer more than ten years ago, but I still find it hard to believe he is gone. Although the painful memories of his suffering are not as strong now as the good memories of his life, they will never leave me. For that reason, I hope that our fundraising will help in the battle against this disease so others won't have to feel that pain. - Brian Bartell
Charles Franklin 1934-2001
My father was taken away from his loving family by a horrific disease on July 29, 2001. His passing was too soon and too quick, allowing us little time to absorb the diagnosis let alone the death sentence. As I prepared a photo for this memoriam, my two year old daughter asked, “Who is that?” I look forward to the day that I can describe to her in great detail what an impact her grandfather had on my life. Until then and beyond, she will benefit from the lessons I picked up from my father. Pedaling for a PANCAN cure will be a great opportunity for me to reflect and to look forward.
Born July 23, 1934 in Govans, MD, Charles Hamilton Franklin Jr. went to St. Mary’s, Poly and finally to Loyola College where he graduated in 1955 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. It was in Loyola’s chapel that he proposed to my mother.
An avid sportsman, he played on the Mt. Washington and Maryland Lacrosse clubs before he and my mother moved to New Mexico to take a job with Purolator. The job brought him back east to New Jersey where my sister was born. In 1971 we settled in Stoneleigh where my brother came on to the scene and my father began his career in commercial and industrial real estate brokerage. He worked the market passionately, representing Pinkard, KLNB and finally Mackenzie.
My father’s competitive nature was evident on the golf course where we spent great days walking fairways (and often woods). His persistence always seemed to pay off as we fished the surf in the dark off the beaches of Ocean City. His faith, his love for adventure and travel took us to places as far flung as Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. He always put family first and it will be his family that will continue to embody his character and conviction.
- Chuck Franklin
Barry Irwin 1946-2004
My husband, Barry Irwin, was the love of my life. He was a great partner, a wonderful father and grandfather, and a fun playmate. He was adventurous, loving friends, traveling, dancing, and expecially tandem cycling. We also did white water rafting, hiking, camping and skydiving.
Barry was a computer programer for Lockheed Martin enjoying creating new programs and shortcuts. He was a born teacher, making even the computer seem easy. He was always respectful of others feeling and was able to draw folks out with his questions.
Even while he was sick, he focused on others, asking about them, not dwelling on himself. He kept an upbeat attitude the whole time, perhaps denying the inevitable. He also had the best, most infectious laugh I've ever heard.
He is remembered by many with great love and fondness. - Jane Irwin
Lois Greenamyre 1910-1998
My mother, Lois Greenamyre was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was active in her church and the community all of her life. She was an avid crafts person, especially gifted in rug hooking and sewing. She was widowed very young, yet always stayed acive, happy and involved. She was a wonderful example for how to live my life.
She successfully fought kidney cancer at age 75 and then contracted pancreatic cancer at age 88 and succumed to it 3 weeks after diagnosis.
She is remembered with a lot of love.
- Jane Irwin
Greg Karcz 1958 - 2005
One of Greg’s hobbies was music and playing harmonica with his friends in the band. He lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer yet his spirit remains as the band plays on.
One day when I was stressed out with a list of things to do, Greg said, "You need to slow down and learn when to stop and smell the roses." I continue to heed those lyrics from my husband who taught me so much about true love and life.
-Cheryl Kaiser
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