Shawn Thomas Martin

Shawn Thomas Martin, 71, of Bedford New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 at home, with his loving, caring, and compassionate wife Michelle by his side. Born in Pittsfield, MA on August 1, 1954, the first child of the late Jack and Joan Martin. He was raised in Brookline NH, and was a graduate of Hollis Area High School, class of 1973.
Shawn and Michelle shared 28 years together, married after six years when Shawn finally convinced her he was unequivocally the one! Together, they built a home that had a never-ending revolving door, for all who ever needed a warm place for a visit, a layover, a delicious meal, a little lovin, or a reality check from Shawn. He may have been a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was from the heart with conviction and direction.
Shawn was a dedicated husband, brother, brother-in-law, friend, teammate, carpenter, and Bumpa who truly made a difference in people’s lives all over New England and throughout his travels. In his early years, he was the leader of the pack. Whether it came to working on the family farm, organizing the neighborhood kids for a little bit of fun, games, and mischief, or captaining the high school’s soccer and track teams. As time marched on, he was the calm in every storm, the shoulder in every crisis, and the fun in every adventure. It was well known Shawn was always up for the call of duty, no matter the day, time, or place.
Shawn made many lifelong friends throughout his career as a skilled craftsman. He had the ability to turn blueprints into reality, bringing people’s dreams of having a beautiful home, deck, or addition to fruition. Through Shawn’s building career he impacted many. Teaching, training, and mentoring countless people in the building trade. His teaching method, although not for the faint of heart (as those that knew him can attest) was true to his nature. Tough, critical, caring, tenaciously supportive.
In addition to Michelle, Shawn’s family includes his siblings, brothers Dan (Janice Halle) Martin and Kelly (Julie) Martin of Bedford NH, and his sister, Linda (Charles) Edwards of Arcadia Fl. Michelle’s son Matthew and his wife Ashley, who Shawn loved, admired, and supported their will for a better life. Their three children, Addisyn, Harper, and Ethan, all from Ft. Myers, Fl. Shawn cherished his grandchildren; they were truly his pride, joy, and legacy. Ethan and Shawn’s bond was like watching a movie, each thinking the other was their hero, with a steadfast feeling of trust and love for one another. There was nothing Ethan didn’t think Bumpa could accomplish, and Ethan was the being that completed Shawn. Shawn also leaves behind his in- laws; Stephen (Lynn) Marquis, John (Wendy) Marquis, Jimmy (Lisa) Marquis, Tom Marquis, and David Marquis. Several loved and adored Nieces and Nephews: Jake Lavender, Tyler Martin (Olivia), Cody Martin (Taylor), Shane Martin (Lori), Tanner Martin (Tyler), Martin Edwards, Anthony Marquis, Julia (Nate) Miller, Timothy (Abby) Marquis, Erik Surabian, Kristen (Jim) Garrett, Erin (Anthony) Ricart, Michael Marquis, Rachel Marquis, and Jillian (Jared) Chaisson.
Along with his parents, Shawn was predeceased by his nephew, Phillip Lavender of Sarasota Fl.
Services will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 in Shawn’s memory. To honor Shawn, please do an act of kindness and promote peace & love.