Stanley Arthur Martson

Courageous, Loving, Semper Fidelis Stanley Arthur Martson, beloved husband and father, successful builder/contractor and decorated World War II hero has died. He was 85. Stanley died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones in Porter Ranch, CA, Aug. 15th from complications of Alzheimer's. Born June 17th, 1925 in Aurora Colorado to parents Arthur Brigham Martson and Myrtle French Martson, Stanley, his sister Violet and brother Howard enjoyed a loving family environment during their early childhood. Sadly, by the time Stan was six years old, his mother had died from complications of pregnancy and his father died of a heart attack. For complex reasons the children had to be separated. Sister Violet found stability within a loving family. Stanley and Howard were not as fortunate with their foster families and ultimately ended up running away together. For several years they worked as cowboys on the Robi Ranch in Colorado. A happy footnote here is that Stanley and Howard became expert horsemen, hard working young men and shared a loving relationship together, and with their sister Violet, for the rest of their lives. Stan enlisted in the Marines in 1942. Over the next four years Stan survived several of World War II's most brutal battles: including Guadalcanal, Tarawa Islands, Saipan and Tinian islands. Stan was decorated with the Silver Star for conspicuous bravery during the ferocious battle for Saipan as well as two "Purple Heart" medals for wounds received in battle. After the war Stan moved to Los Angeles where he met the love of his life, Helen Elaine Steinkamp. On February 19th, 1946 he married Helen at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. They were happily married for 64 years, until his death. Over the years Stanley established a successful career as a builder contractor. In the 1950's Stan coordinated the building of hundreds of homes in the San Fernando Valley. One of Stanley and Helen's first homes was in the newly developed Encino Hills, which was zoned equestrian at the time. They owned several horses and rode freely through the undeveloped Santa Monica mountains. Over the years Stanley received many coveted awards, including awards from The National Association of Home Builders, House Beautiful, The American Institute of Architects and Better Homes and Gardens. One of the homes he built was featured on the cover of Sunset Magazine. Stanley was a real survivor. He overcame the difficulties of an orphaned childhood. He endured ferocious battles of WW II and was awarded for heroic behavior. He was a focused, hard working professional who overcame years of personal and financial hardships. He prospered and provided for his wife and large family. Stanley's faithful dedication to his family, friends and colleagues will always be remembered and cherished. Stan's eldest son Elwain passed away August 15th, 2008. Stan is survived by his wife Helen, children: Donna, Daniel, Howard and Anna, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A private memorial will be held with friends and family in Los Angeles. For any additional information or communications please contact the family Trustee at: hrmartson@earthlink.net