Martin Pakledinaz

Just this past week Marty popped into my head.Not being in the "theatre world",I wondered what he has been up to.I hadn't heard much lately nominations etc.
I was watching the Tony's last night and saw his name and a photo in the Memoriam Section.
This was shocking to me and brought on deep sadness.
I first met Marty when he was working for Theoni Aldridge as her assistant back in 1981,I was working for Woody Schelp at the Barbara Matera Costume shop.While Marty and I never socialized when I ran into him we always had a nice chat.Rest in peace kind man!!

I remember Marty when he was a boy and I was 12 years older. My life was full at that time with my own stuff, and Marty was just another one of my cousins. I never saw him again until I paid respects to his Mom, my Aunt Dorothy. I remember her telling me how proud she was of Marty as he flourished in his career, and I made note of that. When Marty and I spoke after her death, I was impressed with him and the way he carried himself. He struck me as being very perceptive, thoughtful, and well versed on many subjects. He truly did earn a well-deserved niche among his peers and in the creative community. He will certainly be missed.

Marty was the most talented designer I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and I am so sad about his passing. Over the past twenty five years, I had the privilege of working on a dozen different projects with him. Marty always pushed those around him to work at a higher level than we thought possible, and the results were stunning costumes with the most interesting details and style lines.

Marty's sketches from over the years grace the walls of the Seattle Opera's costume shop; we treasure these reminders of our time with him.

Marty will be missed more than my words can say.

Martin was the best...The girls in the American Ballroom Theater company loved everything he ever did for them. He will be missed and remembered as an incredible designer. RIP Marty, Gary Pierce