Dr. Richard Douglas Martin

I am so sorry and shocked to hear of your tremendous loss. I learned of this terrible news today as I was browsing the Penn State online alumni directory. Rich and I were classmates in the nuclear engineering major at Penn State. We studied together during late nights in Hammond Building, ate grilled stickies at the Diner, graduated the same year, and then it seems we lost our hair at the same rate. He was always quick with both smile and wit. It is evident that the promise and energy within him then foretold his many accomplishments. Please accept my deepest and warmest sympathy.

Hi Susan and Zoe,
I'm sorry I took time to write this message, but I couldn't find the words to describe my pain and how I really feel about Rich.
He was a great hostdad and I will never forget how he made me feel like I was a member of your family.
Few times I was lost, few times I was homesick or upset , and he always cheer me up when I needed it. I remembered once, he took me in his arms and told me "anne, everything is gonna be fine"...
My year in America wouldn't have been as awesome as it was without Richard ( he was always making fun at me when I was saying this word, remember ? ^^) and I thanks God I had the chance to be with all of you for all this months.
Our great christmas tree hunting, Thanksgiving, violin lessons by skype, prayers at dinners made my year unforgetable.
thanks richard for everything, and I know you're here with us, I know you helped me when I felt useless in france. You are in my heart.

I'll keep you and your family in my prayers!
Love,
Anne.

Hi Susan,
Rich and I are so sorry for your loss. We'll keep you and your family in our prayers!

Dear Ms. (Christine) Martin, Pam, and Susan and family,
I was SO shocked and saddened to learn of Rich's death. For nearly 40 years I've counted him a significant part of my life--since we met in 9th grade Communicant's class at 1st Presbyterian, Allentown. He was my first true love and although we were mostly goofy teenagers, even when we broke up after more than a year of dating, I always counted him a friend. I'm so sorry I last saw him in college (although my parents hired him when he and his dad were in business, so I had some news at times).
I loved Rich's sense of humor, his intellect, and even way back then he showed sgns of the drive that apparently characterized his entire life. I find it sweet and odd that I chose a career in medicine, married a computer geek, and my step-son is a phenomenal physicist--those parallels with steps/aspects of Rich's life will help keep him in my heart's memory.
Although his photo shows balding and a mustache, he looked more like Justin Beiber (including the hair!) when we were kids and to me he really looks just like when we met.
Having had plenty of loss in my own life, I DO know your profound pain and loss, and the horror and numbness that go with it. Keep trusting that God is still in charge--you don't have to understand, He does, and you will be together before you know.
With love for those he loved,

My condolences to the family of Richard. He was a wonderful, caring and dedicated man and it was a pleasure to know him. He will always be one of the MERP Bahamas family.

Please know you are in our thoughts and our hearts. We are privileged to have known Rich through our girls and their time at NCC with Zoe. May memories and love hold you all tight and bring you comfort and peace.

A brilliant mind and flowering heart. Love and prayers...

Dear Susan, Kayla and Zoe,

My heart aches for you as I just heard of this tragedy. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I never knew Richard, but his achievements in life blew me away. What an incredible impact he has had. Please let me know if I can help in any way at all. Lots of love and hugs being sent your way.

I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

I recognized his picture. My last two semesters on the island were during the first two semesters he was there and I greatly admired his courage at studying medicine with somewhat younger classfellows. To me, he was "that dignified guy with the intense focus and the mustache". I exchanged pleasantries with him on a few occasions during our respective class break times. I am shocked today to read of Richard's death. He affected many of us for the better. May his family ultimately find peace and my heartfelt sorrow and sympathy goes out to them.