Robert “Bob” Ellis Martin, 93, passed away peacefully, with family by his side on January 6th, 2024.

Born in Montesano on March 10, 1930 to Ellis and Minnie (Smith) Martin, Dad was raised in Montesano, graduating from MHS in 1949. He met the love of his life, Joreen Flora Lawson, while riding his bike past her house on the way to school each day. They married on January 19, 1952. With the help of his dad, they built the house they resided in until their deaths. Mom and Dad were married 70 years before Mom passed before him on May 13, 2022. Together they had three children, Susan, Keith, and Scott.

Dad was a 4-year letterman in football, being voted team captain his senior year. They went on to become the 1949 championship team. He was also in band playing the baritone. Dad started his working career at an early age working on his aunt and uncle’s farm on the Middle Satsop River, as well as an aunt and uncle’s farm in Wapato, Washington.

After high school Dad joined the National Guard and went to work for ITT Rayonier pulp mill for 2 years. He then worked at the Vancouver Door Company in Montesano for 8 years. He went to work for the Montesano School District doing maintenance and driving bus, before taking a job with Grays Harbor County as a mechanic in the Carpool Division. He later became supervisor for the Carpool and Heavy Equipment Divisions. He retired after 28 years. From 1959 to 1986 he served with the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department and enjoyed attending the annual parties and potlucks.

After retiring, Mom and Dad traveled by motorhome to Palm Desert with Mom’s sister, Dorothy Miner (Bob Sagen) and others, where they took in Mariner’s Spring Training games and other activities. Dad was a true family man, taking the family on camping/fishing vacations with extended family and neighbors every summer to Eastern Oregon and Eastern Washington. Many stories are told to this day of vacation adventures with the Toyras, Miners, Burkes, Wisdoms, and Mobrays.

Dad enjoyed spending time with Mom, traveling, clam digging, gardening, cooking, doing mechanical work, and just staying busy. They enjoyed attending sporting events for their children and grandchildren and were UW ticket holders for 32 seasons.

Bob is survived by his children Susan (Ken) Carlson, Keith (Jami) Martin, and Scott (Tami) Martin. He is also survived by grandchildren Amy (Zach) Jones, Kerri (Chuck) Fairbairn, Cale (Sheena) Carlson, Kim (Zack) Bailey, Sara (Jacob) Caylor, Aaron (Paige) Martin, Zach Martin, Bryce Martin, Lauren (Tucker) Hazen, Chad (Sylvia) Martin, and Cody Martin as well as 15 great-grandchildren and a few nieces and nephews who have continued to stay close over the years. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, wife Joreen, sister Eleanor (Al) Larsen, and half-brother Earl. The family would like to thank the very caring, professional, and thoughtful care of Nathan Valentine and Summit Pacific Medical Center. There will be a small family gathering at Bob’s graveside. The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department.