Obituary of Ronald Martin

Goodwill lost their most reliable customer, and many lost a dear friend, on December 14, 2019. Marty loved to collect things, feed people and serve others, often to the detriment of his own well being. Born on July 24, 1945 to Fern Colleen and Francis Martin, Ronald William Martin, “Marty” to everyone except the government, was a unique and complicated individual who touched the lives of many. A self described “grumpy old man,” he had an old fashioned sense of humor and will be remembered for his stories, his dad jokes, and his various collections of things which his family will be redistributing for years to come. He made friends everywhere he went and would talk to anyone who would listen. One of his favorite pastimes was bringing his dog to the church and “holding court.” He spent his early years living with his grandma on her farm in Outlook, WA. In grade school he moved often. As Marty would tell it, he attended 27 grade schools, 7 junior highs and 2 high schools. He finished his high school studies in Salem, Oregon, while working in his father's cafe, Frank's Copper Kettle. He joined the US Navy in 1963, and served on the USS Procyon AF 61, a stores ship, during the Vietnam War. Marty held numerous jobs over the years: delivery driver, outside salesperson, dishwasher, cook, bartender, hospital supply clerk, supply sales and buyer and sign auditor. He retired in 2015 after a long tenure at the City of Portland maintenance bureau as a storekeeper. After so many years of moving around, Marty was happy to meet Margaret Hawley (known as “Holly” to some) and finally put down permanent roots in Portland. They married on April 20, 1974, and welcomed four children. Over the years their house would be a revolving door for friends and family. Some staying just for dinner and some needing a place to call home. If you went away from the table hungry “it was your own damn fault,” Marty liked to say. Marty was a man of little patience and many talents. His family always joked that he could easily cook for 600, but not for 6. He orchestrated and ran food service for church conference youth events feeding 600+ youth in fewer than 8 minutes. He thrived as kitchen support and chef for numerous adult leadership events including Woodbadge, Big Thunder District dinners, and Camporee. He was awarded the distinguished Silver Beaver Award among other accolades for his leadership in Boy Scout adult training programs; Commissioners College and Roundtable. As a self-taught floral designer, his artistic side shone the brightest while designing and helping build Portland Rose Festival floats, creating signage for various events and, on occasion, helping his children with school art projects. He taught elementary school classes how to make beautiful snowflakes. As a 40+ year member of the flower committee at First United Methodist Church, he transformed the beauty of nature into a spectacle on the altar many Sundays. Among his most notable creations were the Thanksgiving bounty displays. He always liked to have the TV on, the volume increasing with his age. He enjoyed watching old country western and James Bond movies. He was preceded in death by his parents and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margaret, children Kellye (Isaac), Heather (Dan), Sean, Ryan (Siriyada), grandchildren Kacia, Reese, Soren, Stella, Carter, Kaylee, Sullivan and Kieran, his brother Mike (Peter) and his beloved St Bernard, Brandi. A Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Portland on January 25th at 2pm with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the World Central Kitchen and the church flower committee.