David Erick Martin, longtime resident of Aberdeen, Washington, passed away at home with his family on Aug. 15, 2021. He was born in Longview, Washington, on June 6, 1948, to David and Jeanne Martin and grew up in Astoria, Oregon, as their oldest child. Dave was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann Scott, whom he married on June 8, 1974. They raised two daughters in Aberdeen who survive their parents; Dione Rogers and husband Adam and daughter Isabelle, of Bremerton, Washington; and Dina Knaak and husband Shane, of Ocean Shores, Washington.
Mr. Martin enjoyed a second happy marriage and is survived by his wife Laura Martin of Cosmopolis, Washington, whom he married on Jan. 10, 2015. Although he battled cancer throughout their marriage, they enjoyed many road trips and adventures together. David is also survived by two beloved stepsons with Laura; Christian Melin and wife Rocio and daughter Sofia, of Raymond, Washington; and Benjamin Melin and wife Jenn, and son Miles and daughters: Sydney, Lilly, and Jolie of Hillsboro, Oregon.
Dave is also survived by all of his siblings with whom he was very close: Stephen Martin and wife Sue, of Kalama, Washington; Jeanne Tagg and husband Gerry, of Warrenton, Oregon; and Kevin Martin of Salem, Oregon.
Dave also is survived by a close friend he considered a son, Bryan Bubnick and wife Stephani, of Nampa, Idaho, and their children Davis, Kaylee and Carson. Besides the grandchildren, Dave is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
David was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Sept. 9, 1961, and thereafter dedicated his life to service to others as part of their worldwide Christian congregation. After high school, he moved to Elma, to help serve as a minister to the congregation and community. Dave was soon accepted to an assignment at the JW World Headquarters and served there from May 1968 through September 1972, and he often stated the training and education he received there was one of his best life experiences. Eager to start a family and resume his work as a congregation elder, he returned to Grays Harbor County in 1973. He served the congregations in Aberdeen and Raymond as an elder and instructor, as well as ministering to the entire community, for the next 48 years.
An upbeat and kind man, Dave was well-known for mentoring youth, encouraging parents, and looking after the needs of widows and widowers. He was instrumental in starting a Bible instruction and rehabilitation program at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility, and was recognized multiple times as their Volunteer of the Year. Dave also took a leading role in the launch of Harbor Ministries, and spent time bringing the Bible’s message to officers and crewman on ships in the Port of Grays Harbor.
Dave supported his volunteer career by working secularly as a powerhouse operator for the DOW Chemical plant in Elma, Washington, where he retired in 2012, having made many friends among his colleagues.
After retirement, Dave enjoyed his hobby as “Mr. Merc,” collecting and restoring classic Mercury cars. His 1954 Mercury Sun Valley “Glasstop” in mint green was a favorite, and many around Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties came to recognize this unusual model as he went cruising with Laura and family!
Dave was a humble man who quietly helped many in the community, without seeking recognition. He leaves behind innumerable past Bible students and hundreds of friends who will remember with fondness his genuine love for people and for the Bible teachings he shared. Dave’s positive attitude, easy smile, gentle nature, and wonderful sense of humor touched the lives of many.
The Martin family thanks all who have shared their great memories and experiences with Dave, and we ask that in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the worldwide work at JW.org online, in support of the causes Dave cared about most.
A memorial service to remember Dave Martin’s life will be held via Zoom on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Lifelong friend Gary Breaux will be officiating from New York. To receive the log-in link, please visit the memory book page at Harrison Family Mortuary online.
