Matthew Martin

1962 - 2020

Matthew Martin obituary, 1962-2020, Tacoma, WA

BORN

1962

DIED

2020

Matthew Martin Obituary

Matthew Martin Matthew Eden Martin (57), longtime Gig Harbor resident, passed away on May 30, 2020, after a brief but valiant fight against cancer. He was surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones.

Matt was born September 5, 1962, in Annapolis, Maryland, the youngest (and fourth) son of Robert D. Martin, Sr., and Virginia A. (Lutz) Martin. He lived in Gig Harbor until the early 1970s when he moved to Ashland with his mother. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1980 and returned to Washington, graduating from the U of W in 1987 with a BA in Chinese Regional Studies. That same year, Matt married Tracy Wisenburg and the two of them set off on a grand adventure to explore Taiwan where they taught English. These international experiences fed Matt's insatiable desire to understand how finance works and led him in 1990 to become a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. That same year, Matt and Tracy were blessed with the birth of their first son, Ross Patrick Martin. Two years later, their second son, Maxwell Scott Martin, was born.

The growing family needed more room so they built a wonderful home in Gig Harbor, surrounded by colorful rhododendrons and the deep woods beyond. Their backyard fire pit became the social hub for the neighborhood, forging lasting friendships.

Matt retired from the brokerage business in 2006 and started woodworking. He created new furniture and refinished old, built homes and was master of his shop. But when the market softened, Matt began his third career doing voiceover work. Known around the world for his deep voice and wide range, Matt again demonstrated his creativity and versatility.

It is hard to reconcile how such a vibrant, unique, caring and creative soul could leave this earth so soon. He loved time with his family, exploring the mountains, living amongst the trees, watching the ship traffic on Puget Sound and enjoying all that the great Pacific Northwest provides. His smile, laugh, free spirit and velvet voice always made you feel energized in his presence. He will be forever missed, even as his spirit and grace and humor will live on.

Matt was predeceased by his brother, Pat, and his parents, Bob Sr. and Virginia. He is survived by his two sons, Ross (and Emily Pannell) and Max Martin, his two brothers, Bob Jr. (and Barbara Hendricksen) and Don (and Meridith Owens), his step-brother David Koste (and Deanna Merkatz), and his step mother, Pam Martin.

Matt has asked for his ashes to be spread to the four winds. A marker will be placed with the family at Haven of Rest. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, his celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions made out to "Charles Wright Academy" with "Patrick and Matthew Martin Scholarship Fund" in the "For" line and mail them to 7723 Chambers Creek Road West, Tacoma, WA 98467.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jun. 18, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Martin

Not sure what to say?





Matt was one of the best uncles I could have asked for. He was an all around great guy with a great heart and always made everyone around him happy, I will always remember him that way. Though he was the funny uncle he was, he always knew how to give good advice and her serious when he needed to be, that adding onto his personality is what made him a great role model to me. I always loved family gatherings and seeing my Uncle Matt, Uncle Don, Uncle Bob, and my dad, David Koste in the same room laughing together and being brothers. that to me was a big part of what made my dads side of the family whole. Uncle Matt, my Aunt Tracy, and my two cousins Max and Ross made a big impact on me and a lot of others. but for me, they are some of the best family i could have asked for. Im proud to call them my family, and im proud to call him my uncle.

Haakon Koste

Family

June 22, 2020

Thinking of you all and sending our love, during this difficult time. Matt beautiful voice and gentle nature, remains in our hearts. The Sterlington Family - Phil, Andriene, Gunnar and Hanna

Andriene

Friend

June 21, 2020

We lived next to Matt and his family for 5 years in Gig Harbor. Many a day I remember walking past his house while he was working away in his garage. Always up for a friendly chat and always smiling! We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with Ross and Max and his family. He was a kind soul and will be missed!

Carrie Dinwoodie

Friend

June 21, 2020

Rest In Peace Matt! The Sterlingtons are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Matt your beautiful voice and gentle nature will remain with our family always.
Much Love - The Sterlingtons Phil, Andriene, Gunnar and Hanna

Andriene Sterlington

Friend

June 21, 2020

Rest In Peace Matt! The Sterlingtons are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Matt your beautiful voice and gentle nature will remain with our family always.
Much Love - The Sterlingtons Phil, Andriene, Gunnar and Hanna

The Sterlington Family

Friend

June 21, 2020

Rest In Peace Matt! The Sterlingtons are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Matt your beautiful voice and gentle nature will remain with our family always.
Much Love - The Sterlingtons Phil, Andriene, Gunnar and Hanna

The Sterlingtons

Friend

June 21, 2020

There are not enough kind words to describe Matt. He was a one in a million whom I will miss dearly. He loved deeply for those he cared about and would do anything for you. Taken to soon. My deepest condolences to Matt's family. This picture was taken on one of Matt's Birthday's as we serenaded him with a Happy Birthday Song, but I think the grin was clearly from the fact that the Husky's were winning...

Lori Turnley

Friend

June 21, 2020

Was so saddened to hear about Matt. Went to high school with him in Ashland and reconnected later in life on fun PartyLite trips. Will miss you my friend. Praying for you all during this sad time. ❤❤

Jenny Buck

Classmate

June 21, 2020

Matt, Ross, Emily and Max.

Bob Martin, Jr.

Brother

June 21, 2020

I remember Matt growing up as a kid - he had a kind disposition and made friends easily. That continued on throughout his life. As I reach out to his friends, relatives and colleagues, all say in one way or another: Matt was a great guy. So true.

He raised two terrific sons, Ross & Max, and I know he was so proud of them. They will carry on his amazing legacy.

I loved him dearly and will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Thank you, Matt, for being a brother and a friend. Go boldly.

Bob Martin, Jr.

Brother

June 21, 2020

I loved Matt Martin for his warmth, his kindness and his good humor. He felt like a little brother to me and I know Im gonna miss him for a very long time. Rest in peace my dear friend. Were gonna hold you in our hearts forever.

Karen Bujacich McDonell

Friend

June 19, 2020

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Matthew Martin's name

Memorial Events
for Matthew Martin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Matthew's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Matthew Martin's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more