Donald "Gary" Martin

Donald "Garry" Martin, loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away on October 14, 2021, at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Greg. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Martin of Grand Rapids; two brothers, Randy Martin of Portage and Rob (Michelle) Martin of Kentwood; sister-in-law, Jan (Greg) Martin of Otsego; two special aunts, Jean (Utt) Barringer of Kalamazoo and Lois Martin of Mattawan; two nieces, five nephews, four great nephews, along with many close cousins. He will also be missed by the staff and friends at Hudson's Country Manor where he lived for the last six years. Garry was born in Kalamazoo, the eldest of four sons to Don and Joan (Utt) Martin. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High in 1969. While in high school he developed a passion for music. In the 1970's and 80's he could often be found playing his guitar at restaurants and bars throughout the area; and loved to entertain people with his gift of music; and often developed a natural rapport with the patrons while he played for them. Garry was also a talented athlete with excellent eye-hand coordination which allowed him to excel at virtually any activity he chose to take up; football, baseball, downhill skiing, to croquet, ping pong, and golf. Garry had a generous and kind-hearted spirit. He would gleefully engage in long, deep conversations with complete strangers he encountered on his leisurely walks around town or at coffee shops as he sipped his favorite beverage, java! He was always quick to offer help and compassion to those who seemed less fortunate, and he would often give up his last dollar to someone on the street if asked. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, November 9th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, 9170 East D Ave in Richland. Visitation at 2:00pm, celebration of life at 2:30pm, with burial following. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities – Girls Rock! GR (https://gaah.networkforgood.com/projects/59853-online-giving) or Artists Creating Together (https://www.artistscreatingtogether.org/donate). Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.