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East High School University of Utah

Grant Martin Obituary

Grant Martin 7/26/1926~3/19/2006 "NAT" Grant Martin "coach" born in Oakley, Idaho to John S. Martin and Bertha Fairchild on July 26, 1926, passed away peacefully on March 19th 2006 with his loving family by his side in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grant Martin was a true legend and our hero. Devoted husband of fifty-seven years to Barbara. Strong and loving father to Rick and Torri (Matich). Treasured father-in-law to Mike Matich and Shawna Martin. Beloved grandfather ("Nat") to Eric Martin (Kari), Jacob Martin, Candice Martin, Brandon Matich (Andrea), Chris Matich and Jonny Matich. great grandfather to Whitney, Taylor and Luke Martin. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Rex, Johnny, Alta and Lavaun. Survived by sister Maxine Adams. Grant grew up a true competitor, playing football and basketball for Oakley High School, but it was his loving charismatic personality that made him a friend to all. His athletic talent led him to the University of Utah where he played football and went on to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in education. His love for education took him to Jordan High school where he began his coaching and teaching career. In 1956 he became the head football coach at East High School, building on his legendary career by winning three State Championship titles and 12 Regional Championships. In his 23 years as coach he had 141 wins, 41 losses and four ties. He later was inducted into the Utah High School Coaches Hall of Fame. His coaching legacy will forever live on through the players he impacted. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army, during the Korean War. But through it all, his most noted accomplishments and happiest moments were spending time with his family. We will never forget our "coach" and "nat". His laugh, smile, and love will forever remain in our hearts. Services will be held on Thursday March 23, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 Highland Drive. Friends and family may call on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family [email protected]. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to the American Heart Association in Grant Martin's name. We would like to thank the nurses at St. Mark's hospital for their care and comfort.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Mar. 21, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Grant Martin

36 Entries

Ed Harris

March 15, 2023

I recently ran across this picture my mom took of Coach Martin in the spring of 1976. She sent it to me along with a birthday note from Coach Martin while I was on my mission. Wonderful memories of a wonderful man continue to brighten my life!

Doug Watson

April 4, 2006

My deepest condolences to your family. Grant was a true "players coach," and a motivator, second to none. I can only imagine how very special it is to be a part of his family. I always enjoyed being around Coach, on or off the field. His magnetic personality, charm and wit brought me a smile then, and still does now.

Rick Wright

March 31, 2006

What wonderful memories I have of Coach Martin during the 1961-1964 years. His approach help to make football fun. He was so funny, and yet we knew what he expected of his players.

Teri Brannan

March 25, 2006

Rick and Shawna,

We were sorry to hear about your father. Tracy said the tribute to him was wonderful. You are in our thoughts.

Love Teri and John

Pam Nelson Savage

March 24, 2006

So sorry to hear of your loss, just happen to view the SLTrib occaisonally and saw that Grant had passes away, brought back alot of memories for us. Lived by you in SLC on 4200 South. Has been along time since we have heard anything and would love to make contact.

Chris Matich

March 24, 2006

Nat, I will miss you every minute of everyday! Thank you for being our "Nat". I love you very much!!

Jerry Maio

March 24, 2006

Hi Torrie and Mike, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I was not able to attend the funeral or viewing because I was out of town. Marlene told me it was an incredible tribute to an incredible man. What great memories he left for you and your sons. Torrie, Please extend my condolences to your mother and to Brandon, Chris and Johnny. I've enjoyed "hanging out" with your sons as if they were my own. Take care

Ed Harris

March 24, 2006

Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Coach Martin was a tremendous teacher and motivator; and above all, he was a winner. He demanded the best from everyone, while giving us the tools and encouragement we needed to succeed as individuals and a team. Over the years, I have been able to draw repeatedly on the many lessons I learned from him on his football field, and I am a better person today for having spent my high school years with him.

David Creer

March 24, 2006

Dear Martin Family, I am sorry for the loss of my friend, a great man and coach. I had a great experience playing football for Coach Martin. I was a skinny center for the football team but Coach Martin always thought I was one of his tough players. His confidence in me help me throughout my life. We stayed friends and it was always a fun time to see the coach and have a great talk with him. He will be missed by all and I feel blessed to have him part of my life. God bless to all of you. David Creer

Jamie Lightner

March 23, 2006

Going to Aunt Barbs & Uncle Grants house on Thnksgvg & Xmas all those years were such a highlight for kids. Looked forward to it every year. I will never forget the year that Uncle Grant and my Dad Brad were "mooing" at the moon. He was such a nice man. I am soo sorry for your loss. Take care of each other. Time will heal, and you will get through this hard time.

Bryan Morris

March 23, 2006

Coach Martin, was a true teacher. The amount of young people he influenced is immeasurable. In his own unique way, he personally inspired me to be better. My condolences to the family...His ex-players have very fond memories...Coach Martin will be missed by many.

Sam Baldwin

March 23, 2006

My condolences to your family. Coach provided me, and all his teams, opportunites and experiences that have turned into wonderful memories that will last our lifetimes.

Dan Clark

March 22, 2006

Coach, You gave me a break my junior year, and although I was injured as a senior, you still went to bat for me with college recruiters and helped me get a football scholarship to the U of U. As over simplified as it sounds, this single event changed my life forever and everything I have become is a direct result of you believing in me! I will never forget the "Snake!" God bless you and your family!! Dan Clark, East High '73.

Reese Higgins

March 22, 2006

I played football for Coach in 1973 and 74 we won the region title in 74 and lost to West High in the State championship. Grant sort of reminded me of Dean Martin. He really was smooth. I will always wish there were more Grant Martins in the world. I will miss him.

R. Kay Petersen

March 22, 2006

My deepest sympathies to Barbara and Grant's family. I understand what an enormous loss his passing must represent.

I was a 10th grade student in Grant's first PE class at East High in 1956 and was his last principal at East.

I enjoyed his humor and friendship for over forty years and have so many great memories of him and his ability to bring a smile into any conversation, gym class or especially to a faculty meeting.

Grant, Dale and Herb made an irrepressible team and founded hundreds of indelible memories for hundreds of colleagues.

"Coach Martin" stories will be told for many years to come. He'd like that.

R. Kay Petersen

Principal East High School (Retired)

Thomas Gillespie

March 22, 2006

To the entire family,

I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though I never met Grant, I am positive he was a great man. Torri, you are a fantastic mother and a teriffic friend. I have known his grandsons for quite some time now, and it would be hard to find a more loyal, and motivated group of young men. Johnny is one of my closest friends even though the encounters are few and far between. Mike, you have always been very kind to me. You opened your doors with a smile and a firm shake of the hand, and for that I look up to you. Grant has obviously influenced all of you, and must be very proud.

KEN AND DAYNA MICKELSON

March 22, 2006

RICK AND SHAWNA:

WERE SORRY TO HERE OF THE LOST OF YOUR FATHER. I KNOW WHAT A LOST IT IS. I LOST MY (KEN'S) FATHER TWO YEARS AGO.

Michael Morris

March 22, 2006

Thanks coach, for taking such good care of the Morris boys, especially Timmy, who revered you, sought your praise, and got a whole lot more in return. God Bless you and your family.

Eric Martin

March 22, 2006

"Nat", Words cannot express how much I will miss you!...Your humor, your love, and your kindness will forever exist in my heart!...I can only pray that as I grow older, I will develop into someone who possesses even a miniscule amount of your inpiration and love!

Candice Martin

March 22, 2006

Nat, thank you for all the jokes and laughter. I will continue to work the camera for all the family photos. You are a great man and I hope that someday I can create a family like you have.

Steve Young

March 22, 2006

Grant was my golf coach at East High. He had an ongoing interest in all of his students. He truly was a legend and will be missed.

Brad Morris

March 22, 2006

Dear Coach Martin & Family,

I've often reflected on those "piercing baby blues" when you did something on the football field that wasn't acceptable, AND that incredible smile and encouraging words when you did something good. You wanted him to like you, but mostly you wanted him to be proud of you. That was more important than the game itself. All of you know what I mean...He made you believe that you could win 20-0, when you were a 25 point media underdog...We did! Most of us have taken those "halftime chats" and the numerous things we learned from Coach Martin with us as we stared life in the face later on...Those competitive instincts that he instilled in all of us, helped to face our challenges in life when things got tough...Thanks Coach, for your unwavering belief in me, and all of us...We'll carry that belief with us always...

I'd like to express my sincere love, peace, and continued happiness to Coach Martin's family. You have so much to be proud of...

Suzanne and Gary Chavez

March 22, 2006

Rick and Shawna,

We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. We are thinking of you. Love you...

Jw Hatch

March 21, 2006

Rick & Shawna and Family:

Our thoughts are with you. He was a cool guy. If you ever decide to visit Oakley, come see - or better yet stay with - us as we live just a few miles away.

Jerry & Zola

Jerry & Marlene Maio

March 21, 2006

Torri, Mike, Chris, Johnny, & Brandon:

We send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your wonderful "nat" was so loved and set such an amazing example for your family. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. We love your family...

Terry Richards

March 21, 2006

I met Coach Martin as a little boy living next to East High School. He let me sit with the footballs and equipment as I watched the team practice..I dreamed of playing for East High School and the Coach. When I finally got into high school I tried out for the team butwas not talented enough to be on his fine teams but he remembered my zeal to be a member of the team as a young boy. When he cut me from the squad he offered me a team mgr job which I readily accepted. In my senior year he recommended me for a scholarship at the U of U for Coach Mike Giddings who called coach Martin looking for boys names that could be a team mgr for the Utes. Coach found the right job for a kid that had a dream to belong to his football team...Thanks coach..I will always remember what you did for me and for your kindness..You have always been a hero of mine and always will be..Be in Gods hands Coach Martin.

Lu Larson

March 21, 2006

Marty, so many years,,,so many memories ......All of them will live in my heart forever. I love you!

Melissa Larson

March 21, 2006

I remember all the happy times over at your house. Always looked forward to Thanksgiving and X-mas Eve, they were the best times ever.They will always live in my memory.

Marlyn Pollard

March 21, 2006

With sympathy to the family and love to a great coach at Jordan High School. Thanks for the memories!

Mrs. Pearl Pollard

Amber Cooper

March 21, 2006

Dearest Family,

Joe and I send our love to each of you at this sad time. Keep the love and memories close to your hearts.

Our prayers are with each of you.

Love you all,

Joe and Amber Cooper

Jim Gunnell

March 21, 2006

A great coach,a great friend.

Rich Francey

March 21, 2006

Coach taught me how to win and believe in myself. A great influence to many young men!

Tonya Davidson

March 21, 2006

Torri,

I am so sorry! My love and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Tonya Davidson

Brandon Matich

March 21, 2006

"Nat," I love you with all my heart! You'll always be my hero!

John Butler

March 21, 2006

Always a positive man, had a great influance on thousands of young people.

Bob Davidson

March 21, 2006

Torri: I am so saddened over the loss of your father. He was such a good man. Our thoughts are with you and your entire family during this troubled time.

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