Watching tv in South Africa watching the England / SA game and thought of you. Have looked you up and and am saddened at the news of your passing for your family and friends. Reading names of people I knew at Dell in years gone by. You were always known as a gentle giant. Iwona (Previously known as Yvonne Choy)

Another year Martin, and you are thought of often. Just last week I met with some ex Dell friends and colleagues from 30 years ago who still speak and remember you with such fondness. Lisa Panesar.

Happy Birthday my friend. Lisa Panesar x

Martin, you share your birthday with the date my Dad passed. Thinking of you and your gentle giant of a man ways, full of love, body hugs, friendship, wisdom, humor, intellect, kindness, care. I miss you my friend. Know that your loved ones are all doing well, including your grandchildren. Rest well, know you are loved and missed, Philip

Three years later, my dear Martin is still one of the most extraordinary and magic men I have ever met. I miss you still Martin. Love, Beverly

So sorry to hear today of Martin's passing. He was a friend and trusted advisor who I greatly respected. Always generous with his time and his perspectives. I had hoped to reconnect after a few years and am deeply saddened that we will never again meet for coffee and a chat. My condolences to Martin's family.

Mr Slagter, two years have gone by and I think of you so very often. Dolly Parton, Islands In the Stream was our karaoke song of choice at the Dell Xmas do's (not true because the good ones were already grabbed and we had to make do!) but we rocked it! So many great enduring memories. You were are fantastic mentor to me that undoubtedly shaped my career, but more importantly you were my friend. Lisa, your EA and 'Mucker'. X

Two years! You are often thought of in our household, Martin. You started as a great friend of my brother, Andrew, but as the years went by you became a firm, and much loved, friend of mine as well. ❤️

I was looking through an old diary (1972) and saw mentions of Martin. I thought: "I wonder what he's up to these days." And so I googled him and found out the terrible news. I'm so sorry, and send my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

I met Martin at Windsor Grammar School; we were in the same year and the same house ('Allen'). We became good friends - played rugby, hockey and (occasionally) football together. He was mad keen on rugby, I know, and very good at it. We both liked folk music - though he more than me. If I remember rightly, his favourites were Sandy Denny/Fairport Convention and The Strawbs. He also had a thing for The Groundhogs. I dragged him up to the Festival Hall in London once to see Melanie Safka. I don't think she was really his thing.

I took a year out after school and met up with him one evening (I think in Old Windsor). He was in his first year at the Lanch and raved about life in Coventry, convincing me to go there too. I did, the following year, but he was well into the Lanch rugby scene then and it wasn't really mine. So we kind of drifted apart, and I lost touch with him, sadly.

I remember our friendship at WGS with great fondness, though, and I'm heartened to see that he was loved so much by so many.

Once again, my deepest sympathies.

Martin's family and loved ones, I've been thinking of you all the last few days. I cannot believe it's been a year. Whenever I drive past Richmond Rugby club, which is a few times a month, it makes me smile. I know I won't be the only one who remembers this larger-than-life character often. Never forgotten xxx

Think of you so often, Martin, and of all the good times. ❤️

Every time I go to Trianon Coffee I raise a cup in memory of you Martin.

Tina, thinking of you and boys at this time.

Dearest Martin
I simply can't believe it's been a year. You are so missed.
with love and thoughts
Jackie

I knew Martin at Lanch Poly in the 70s. I didn't know him well but I played some rugby with him. Sadly I never got to know him well as we moved in different social circles at Poly. However, I always felt I could be good friends with him. He was a kindred spirit I felt. He always made me laugh.
42 years later I suddenly have the inclination to wonder "what happened to Martin? '.... So I Google.
He had a good and happy life and had many people who loved him.
Sadly I came across this site and I learned of Martin' s passing.
My sympathy goes to Jan, one of my favourite librarians :-) and her boys.
Discovering this news makes me appreciate my life and those I love.
My condelences to all of Martin's family and those who loved him.

Happy Birthday Martin my friend. My white candle is lit in honor of you, sending you my love. Best wishes to all your family and friends. Lisa Panesar x

I knew Martin through Andy H who was one of my best friends in London before he went to Austin. Have very fond memories of Martin. Very sorry to hear about his passing. My heart goes out to you all. RIP Martin. I shall remember them both again this weekend when England play France. Love. Gary ONeill

I popped into our favorite coffee/pastry shop today. I couldn’t help but look at the cakes and pastries and think of you. Those that were your favorites and where you delighted in getting one often two for you to enjoy during out chats. It brought back such a lovely memory. Martin, we’ve said our goodbyes, but you will truly remain in my heart forever.

I miss your wit, your cleverness, your friendship, your frequent phone calls, your funny texts (some were hilarious), the photos of Elliott, your enormous heart, our conversations, your analysis on life and everything else, getting caught up on Adam and Luke, your honesty, your authenticity, your awesome accent, your “cheerio” and toodle loo” at the end of our phone calls. I especially miss your warm hugs.

I smile knowing that you and Andrew are together again. You are both forever missed. ❤️

He always made me laugh, but so much more importantly, he never treated me differently from when I joined Richmond as a young fool, to when he was encouraging me on a serious club initiative two years ago.
Like so many people, you felt better with his presence in the room.
Thank you Martin

Tina- long long hug. The journey was gift. I am a better designer and retailer and friend because of Martin. I was blessed to have had him in my life. Hope to see you soon. Xoxo Joni

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed & very dear.
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember a husband and best friend. We are all deeply saddened to hear of the sad passing of Martin, although we only knew him briefly he was a truly kind and gentle man and we feel blessed to have met him.
Sending you all our love,
All the girls in house 2

So sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. Slags took a chance employing me in 1988 (after a 360-mile round trip to check out my home situation!) to be Dell’s first ‘remote’ account manager. He led the happiest and most highly motivated team, with many of whom I’m still in touch. He was an inspirational leader to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. I wonder if he realised the positive influence he had on people’s lives. Our thanks to you, Martin.

Martin... you were an amazing man who helped Softcat reach “greatness”. Without you in our lives our world would have been much poorer. Thanks for all you did. Love Pete & Sharon Kelly

Martin - we are truly blessed to have had you in our lives. You gave us amazing friendship, humour, career opportunity, sporting partnerships and the list goes on.... All who knew you were inspired by your courage, bravery and determination. You will be in our hearts forever - with all our love Nick & Jenny Pike

Martin was instrumental in bringing me and my family to Austin from London when we worked together at Homeaway. Martin, the gentle giant, was a very rare individual, a one in a million. Martin was generous with his time, generous with his encouragement, abundant with humor and treated people with respect. Even in his greatest battle he always cared how you felt and will be missed by all those that knew him.






Sent from my iPhone

Martin, the gentle giant, you are sorely missed and I can never thank you enough for the way you made me feel when, your friend and my brother Andrew, passed away a few years back. You were fantastic as you were when you were digging trenches during your college vacation days. You will be remembered forever.

Martin had the innate knack of delivering a devastatingly-witty put down in such a manner that made you love him even more.
Kind, considerate, fun to be with at all times, even the tough ones, he is a huge loss to everyone.
Quite probably more deserving of an England Rugby cap than many of the second rows of his era who gained them, he was a massive part of the successful Lanchester Polytechnic rugby teams I had the fortune of playing in.
He gave everything in his inspirational fight against cancer, and to the end was still putting loved ones, family and friends first.
Love and sincerest best wishes to Martina, Jan, Adam, Luke and families.
Andy & Sue

I first heard Martin's voice over the phone one week after my cancer diagnosis, being connected through dear friends. We met a few days later almost 6 years ago on a rainy, cold, dark late afternoon at the Trianon Coffee Shop. I was scared, unsure of how to proceed and vulnerable. Martin sat across from me with printed out pages of all his doctors and connections, his own treatment details and a genuine warmth that I so desperately needed. I had no idea how central this man would be tied to my own well being in the coming years but I did know that first meeting that he was charming, kind and blazing smart.

Over the years as we navigated and tried to outsmart our disease. We shard treatment ideas and promising data. Martin taught me how to "triangulate" and how to best advocate for myself. He introduced me to Dr. William and Maggz LaValley who have also helped me immensely. We pondered life in our bizarre circumstances. I came to know Tina and her unwavering devotion to Martin. I saw a man who loved his sons, their wives and was a proud grandfather too. Our conversations were veiled with an understanding that only one can have when you're in the same crappy boat. While our friendship only inhabited a small corner of Martin's life, it was honest, true and meaningful for us both. He loved his life and was never boastful about any part of it, though he had many accomplishments to his credit. He made you feel worthy and interesting by just being himself. Sometimes when the chips are down you are lucky enough to cross paths with someone that makes it all bearble. Martin was that person for me. I know that Martin has blessed so many people who were lucky enough to walk with him for a day, a month, a year, decades, a lifetime. I will miss him terribly. All of our paths are a little lonelier and infinitely richer for having walked with Martin. To his family and many friends, his light shines brightest on you.

Martin was a friend and a mentor. He was my first boss at HomeAway, and we stayed in touch over the years after he left the company. I remember walking our dogs along Lady Bird Lake, catching up on a beautiful afternoon in the fall. Warm and generous, he always had something nice, smart and supportive to share even if he was the one fighting the big fight. I miss you, Martin.

Martin - you are one of the most universally loved members of the HomeAway family and will be missed.  We met in 2010 and Martin was my closest work colleague for two years.  Over the next seven years Martin was a regular friend and mentor to myself and Turnkey. Always filled with creative ideas and positive thinking I was lucky to know you and call you a friend.

I worked on the same team as Martin in 1992 when I was pretty wet behind the ears and he was already an accomplished leader. He was gracious, fun, supportive and just an all around great guy to work with. After all these years, I have nothing but fond memories and he made such a positive impact. He will be missed, but I'm so grateful for the time I spent with him.

Martin was the first Londoner we have known – and we like to think that this is the origin of much of his sense of style, humor and charm which we loved. We were first acquainted through his wife Tina and got to know Martin through visits to their beautiful Austin home, and many vacations together in fun places.

One of our favorites was our trip to Cape Cod which, unbeknownst to us coincided with a gay pride “Bear” festival. As big as he was, Martin was less than completely comfortable with all those bearded men and held firmly onto Tina’s hand. We went on a whale watching tour, which was a bit of wet fizzle until a pod of whales showed up. We can still remember hearing Martin’s excited squeals as he raced around excitedly catching everything on his Flip recorder. He grounded us all when after about 20 breaches he declared that it was getting a bit boring now.

As the passionate sportsman he was, he had a penchant for providing frank, acrid analysis – like pick up the bloody ball and move it forward. As polite as he was, he would usually precede these remarks with an apology or “really” so as not to offend.

Another memory of him, is that in over 10 years I never was able to open the door for him. He always insisted you go first.

Martin – thank you for the fun times, and making our rendezvous around the world in both sickness and health, thanks for being generous with your praise and advice, and cheeky with your wit. It was a privilege to know you.

We miss you big guy, and yes we honor your last words to us, and will look after Tina.  

My friend. You took a chance on me as a postroom girl and you saw potential in me. Dell uk was just the 5 of us and so special and grew into a thriving entity thanks to your leadership and friendship that we enjoyed. Im glad i had the opportunity to tell you what a wonderful, trail blasing, innovative person i had the honour to know. "Simply the best" x

October 1974 – 45 years ago- or was it only yesterday?

It started for me in a tower block student hall of residence at Lanchester Polytechnic, Coventry, England. A seat of learning that I’d never heard of before going there.
We formed friendships that we had no idea would last a lifetime and there will be others from that group celebrating Slags life now, as I am, thankful for having been able to be counted amongst his friends.

I had little in common with Martin back then; a temporary home, a common degree course and our love of rugby and most other sports. A Forward and a Back, North and South, Little and Large. Chalk and Cheese .
But like most of us I was drawn to this big, warm, gentle, funny guy who looked like Russ Abbott (a well known UK comedian) and who you just wanted to be with because it made you feel good.

We went on to play rugby for the Poly and Coventry RFC together, shared student houses together for three years and occasionally, between the fun and laughter, attended the library and degree lectures that would somehow later lead to jobs and adult careers and lives.

After Lanch, we all went our separate ways to find those jobs and raise families, and like many close student friendships I would guess, we found it easy to keep in touch infrequently from afar then meet up somewhere, and within minutes it was as if we’d never been apart. As the years passed by, this would happen on visits for rugby matches at Twickenham or at respective weddings or christenings or special birthdays; and Martin was always the same, first with Jan and later with Martina, warm, welcoming and at the centre of the fun. Through good times and difficult he always seemed on top of things and full of the same warmth and good cheer. 

When the Slagters went to Austin, my personal contact became less frequent and was often third hand, but the friendship felt no less strong and when golf later replaced rugby, I looked forward to at least a few days fix of Martin in Ireland on the annual Spring Classic golf trips.
The news of his illness first came after one of these trips, and each successive year of his courageous and inspiring fight have been a matter of wonder. What a man. How we loved and admired him for his strength of character and good humour in the face of such a challenge.

Martin was of course famous as the self appointed prizemaster on those golf trips, and as a result I have what must be one of the most eclectic trophy cabinets in golf , including for example a collection of Bachelors LP’s and a much treasured wood pipe ; being so full of wonderful Martin memories its value has just gone through the roof.

Martin we loved you; we grieve with Martina, Jan, Adam and Luke and all your family and friends . But we will also smile every time we think of you. . Thank you for being our friend.
Rest well.
Keith and Joan xx

Tina
You and I have never met but I simply wanted to send you my very sincere sympathy at what must be a very sad time for you.
Martin captained Richmond FC from 1983-1986,which was ten years after I stopped playing but I organise an old boys lunch called The Richmond Heavies Simpson's Luncheon Club and Martin was invited to become a member after he gave up playing which,I suppose,must be all of 30 years ago and before he emigrated to Texas.
What he had not appreciated before he left was that there is an automatic fine of £25 for non attendance at each of the two lunches we have in a year.A lesser man would simply not have paid but despite living on the other side of the Atlantic and for the last six years in particular ,having to fight the dreaded cancer,he paid the levy with a religious fervour and his £50 a year contributed massively to the £1000 we raise for the Rugby Club each season.
We next meet on the 22nd November and I can assure you that we will raise a large glass in his memory.We will miss his strength of purpose and the leadership qualities that made him such a respected and admired figure at Richmond.
Next Saturday,19th October,Richmond plays its first home game at The Athletic Ground since we heard the sad news.The current President has requested the Richmond Flag to be at half mast in recognition and memory of Martin.In addition there will be a minute's applause before the Match starts and a page in the Match Programme.
Tina,the thoughts and prayers from all the members of the Richmond Heavies Simpson's Luncheon Club are with you at this very difficult time
Best wishes  Robert Vallings.

Martin - what a guy, what a colossus - such a wonderful person. You invited me to coach with you at Richmond - it was Luke and Conor's first season. All those years ago. I learnt so much about rugby, and more, from you. I'm glad that we stayed in touch - although not often enough - through the years, and it was always good to see you when you managed to get back to the club. Your sincerity, wit and warmth will be greatly missed. Such sad news. Rest in peace Martin.

When my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, a friend recommended we reach out to Martin. We were scared and in way over our heads. All of the new advances with immunotherapy, genetics and clinical trails had us hopeful and confused. We called Martin. He answered every question. He was smart, candid and open about his experiences. He became our touchstone. We often mentioned his name around the house - Martin did this or Martin did that. If I had a questioned, I knew he had the answer. Even though I didn't always ask them, I felt at ease that he was on our team. My mom died in May and she wasn't able to thank him the way we should have. 

I wanted him and now you to know how much he meant to us. He gave us a sense of community and a sense of hope. I want to thank him for being there for us.

I am sorry that he has passed. I know he will be missed by all the people whose lives he touched.

We are very sad.
Our memories of Martin are related to his kindness, his great sense of humor and his patience, especially with regard to our rather poor English language skills.
Unforgettable are the times we spent with him and Tina in Austin, Las Vegas, Marathon / Texas and Hannover, spent in the Spreewald and most recently on the Steinhuder Meer.
We are lucky to have known Martin.
We will not forget him. Mach’s gut, lieber Freund

Martin was a great friend to many and also a dear friend to William and me.

He showed up and was present whenever asked. He would be there even though I’m sure, at times, he was struggling, particularly in the last year or so. He'd arrive with a smile and never complained. He didn't want to let anyone down.

If there was a project, work related or otherwise, and he could be of value he would offer his expertise with no hesitation. He was generous with his time. Martin had a unique gift of making you feel that he was focused and interested in everything you were saying. If he wasn’t in agreement and knew a better solution, he would masterfully voice his ideas and somehow end up giving you all the credit. He wanted the best outcome for everyone. He truly cared about people. He loved to help. Martin was “real”.

Martin was kind, compassionate, brilliant, courageous, trustworthy, valiant and loving.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. 

Martin completed his life on his terms and as he chose to do.

His loss is immensely sad … and his participation in our lives is cause for great celebration.

It is a great honor to be his friend. We loved him. We miss him deeply.

Martin, I hardly knew ye....and yet in the few months I did, I promptly fell hopelessly in love with a guy I knew was one of the magic ones. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary heart and soul with me. 

And for Tina, a favorite poem by Pablo Neruda that may be Martin's message to you. So much love, B

"When I die I want your hands on my eyes:
I want the light and the wheat of your beloved hands
to pass their freshness over me one more time
to feel the smoothness that changed my destiny.

I want you to live while I wait for you, asleep,
I want for your ears to go on hearing the wind,
for you to smell the sea that we loved together
and for you to go on walking the sand where we walked.

I want for what I love to go on living
and as for you I loved you and sang you above everything,
for that, go on flowering, flowery one,

so that you reach all that my love orders for you,
so that my shadow passes through your hair,
so that they know by this the reason for my song."

Martin was a wonderful gentle loving person. We know him because he is our daughter's father-in-law. We truly have been blessed by knowing him. We thank you for all of the love you have given to our family. We will never forget the great times we shared with him& his family. You will be deeply missed. I'll always remember how Jacob always called you "Big Marty" May peace be with you Martin. Love, Kathy John Kennadi Justin Jacob Bauman

Smart, Clever, Quick, Kind, Generous with time, wisdom and treasure: Martin we at ATA love you and will miss you.

So sorry to hear this news. I worked with Martin during the early Dell days. While I focused on US Marketing, we always had a great relationship trying to figure out how to build a global company. He was one of the good guys!

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry he home
I looked over Jordan and what did I see
Coming for to carry he home
A band of angels coming after me
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home
If you get there before I do
Coming for to carry me home
Tell all my friends I'm coming too
Coming for to carry me home

You will be sorely missed Martin. This song always reminds me of you and all the fun times we had especially during our four years at Lanchester Polytechnic. And I know there is one special friend who will be waiting for you as your soul makes its journey. Til we meet again dearest friend, I thank you for all the memories. Jackie

To my friend,
Martin and I played on our first team together when I was six and he was five. This was the story of our friendship for the next 60 years. From varsity rugby, hockey and cricket to college and life after. I do not know why the good die young, but I do know when a life was well lived.
Life is not measured by material gain but by the character of a man. This was not only a man blessed with physical stature, but a man endowed with the heart and personality that would make its mark on all who were ever in his company.
Martin had a unique gift that could span every facet of social life. He had an innate warmth that drew you to him, and yet never overwhelmed those in his company.
He was simply a special man and the lives of all who knew him are a little less bright with his passing. I shall remember him as an all embracing spirit, and know how fortunate I was to have known him for so long.
Sandra and I send our heartfelt thoughts to you and all the family. It was our blessing to know you all.
Stephen.

I have known Martin since he first started Windsor Grammar School as he soon became a great friend of my younger brother, Andrew. He became very much a part of our family and my mum really enjoyed welcoming him into our home and cooking for him after numerous rugby matches.
Throughout life he was such a big hearted fellow, he always had a knack of making whoever he was speaking with feel that they had his sole, undivided attention. A tremendous sense of humour coupled with a great humility - a very rare combination, he was a very special person and I feel honoured to have known him for so long. I am just grateful that Robert and I managed to spend some quality time with him in Aspen this summer. I will always have many beautiful memories which span half a century. Thank you, Martin, for being a part of my life and such a good friend of my brother's. Rest in peace.

Martin - you are and always be one of a kind. You possessed an innate ability to always make others around you feel special. Your humor, intellect and wit are legendary, your kindness and sensitivity a rare jewel. And all from one so very big. Your enormous tender heart will always be felt by those who knew and loved you. Truly, it was an honor to know you, and always i will keep a place in my heart for ‘big marty’. Rest well dear friend, it just wont be the same without you