Herbert Harold Martin
February 26, 1909 - December 8, 2004
Obituary
Herbert H. Martin, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 in Seattle. Herb is survived by his son, Kenneth Martin Shari; daughter, Patricia McClure John; 3 sisters, Vena, Rose and Emily; 5 grandchildren, Ken, Mike, Dan, Doug and Cindy; 6 great grandchildren, Alex, Benjamin, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Hunter and Matthew. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ida in 1992. Brought up in Montana, Herb valued being a Cowboy, Rancher and a skilled mechanic and craftsman. He also entertained many with his musical talents and his ability to play six different instruments. He had 32 years of employment with Boeing retiring in 1974. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM. Commemorative Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 12/15/04 at 3:00 PM at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 206 242-1787. The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Group Health Hospice Care, 1730 Minor Avenue, Suite 1500, Seattle, WA 98101.
I know so many people who never knew their Grandparents. I don’t have a clue what that’s like. I’ve been blessed to get to know all of mine but none more than Grandpa Herb. He’s helped me with so many projects over the years and they’ve all lasted. I like to say they were built “Herb Tough”. As a kid at Grandma and Grandpa Martin’s, I loved working on rock jewelry, watching the Dukes of Hazard, playing 31 and Pokeno and eating Cheezer Pleezers. I think about those times often and they are great memories. I spent a lot of time with Grandpa from 1993 til 1999 when I lived just a few blocks from him. I’m glad I got that time to talk with him and get to know him as more than just Grandpa. Of course I had to listen to many of the same stories over again Anyone want to know his car history?but sometimes I’d get to hear a new one and they were always interesting. We talked a lot about women and he always would ask why I’m not married yet so I’m glad he finally got to see me get married. I’m also glad he got to see his newest Great Grandchild, Matthew. He promised he’d stick around to see him and he did. We love you Grandpa. You were an incredibly wise, generous, humorous and all around great guy and I’m honored that you were my Grandpa. I hope I can carry on those characteristics. Say “Hi” to Grandma for us, we love her too. For all my sorrow I’m glad you’re back together again. With Love, your Grandson Dougie.
Okay Ida he’s all yours. Get that deck of cards out.
Thank you for my fondest memories of when we
were all younger. Bunny rabbits, a swing under
the cherry tree, and learning to square dance.
One of my most favorite places in the whole world was my Grandpa’s garage. I’d spend hours out there working on projects with him. Bikes, Go-karts, cars, lawn mowers, you name it. If it broke, grandpa could fix it!!! He was the most patient man I ever met, and no job was worth doing unless you wanted to do it right. One thing I learned from my grandpa because I heard it at the beginning of every project…”Estimate how long your project will take…and multiply by three!!!”…he was always right.
He truly was the best Grandpa a kid could have. He has set the bar high for the men who follow him. I just hope I can be as good a man as him.
Thank you Grandpa for everything you’ve done, for all of your time, and for all of your love…
p.s. Tell grandma we love her when you see her…
Great person and loved my cookies! I will miss him as he has been my neighbor since 1959 A loss to us all.
What a man!!! One of the most wonderful human beings I know. He’s only been my Grandpa for over 5 years, but the love I have for him feels like he’s been my Grandpa all my lifetime! He treated my daughter and I like his own grandchildren and welcomed us into the family right away. You would have thought we were blood related. I would bring the server down if I were to write all of my feelings and thoughts for Grandpa. He was a great person: loyal, sincere, honest, smart, generous, loving, witty, funny, hilarious actually,truly gifted, strong, willful, tenaciuos, interesting, a good eater as long as hot food was scorching hot!, handy, skillful, resourceful, and truly unforgettable. There’s only one thing I could honestly say was a weakness of his and that’s his taste in wine! If I had only known you sooner, I may have been able to change it! I love you Grandpa and I am so happy that you are at peace and with Ida! Please tell her I can’t wait to meet her! I’ll bring wine! I’ll take good care of your little boys and “the big one” and your girl as promised! Please put in a good word for me with the Big Kahuna. Peace be with you Grandpa! Love ya!
P.S. Your chairs are worth millions!
I didn’t know Herb for long as I am a newer addition to the Martin family. However, he made quite a lasting impression in the short time I knew him.
Even at his advanced age, his humor and wit was just as sharp as someone 50 years or more his junior.
One of my memories came just a month before his passing. Sitting in his chair, he looked at me and said, “It doesn’t pay to live to be my age. Nothing much works anymore. All I can do is sit.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, but before I had a chance to respond, he added finally, “It’s a good thing my ass isn’t broke or I’d be in a helluva jam!”
I have so many fond memories of my Grandpa.
When I speak of my years growing up, I can’t help but think of all the great times I had with my Grandpa….The Martin Family reunion in Montana, the sleep overs and all the wonderful weekends at Lk. Cavanaugh. Even though it rained a lot at Lk. Cavanaugh, it was still so much fun. We’d stay inside playing games for most of the day and evening.
I feel so blessed having been able to live so near to Grandpa and the opportunity to spend time with him hours before his passing.
When I heard about him seeing an Angel at the foot of his bed, I knew two things; he would be going “home” soon and that he would be with Grandma once again.
You were the best Grandpa anyone could ever ask for and you will be missed so much by “Grandpa’s Girl”.