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Martin Charles Smith passed away on Feb. 18, 2018, six months after his cancer diagnosis, at the age of 51.
Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Marty was a 1985 West Anchorage High School graduate. He earned an Electrical Engineering degree from University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1991. He started his career at Dryden and Larue in 2001, and moved to ML&P in 2005. While there, he was awarded the IEEE Outstanding Engineer Award for his contributions to the field. Marty left ML&P in 2015, but continued to consult for the company while working at Electrical Power Systems.
He was involved as coach and League President with the Anchorage West Little League. His interest in baseball started when he played in the Spenard Little League, and continued through adulthood as he watched all three of his children play for Anchorage West. Marty was a big fan of the Mariners, and loved going to games in Seattle, Wash.
He volunteered at Aquarian Charter School, with Covenant House Alaska and was a devoted supporter of The Hope Bakery. He spent lots of time with family: enthusiastically watching Star Wars movies, attending children's performances, and spending quality time in summer and winter at their cabin on Redshirt Lake. Marty always showed up with compassion for those around him and a contagious smile.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Shannon; children, Emilee, Sean and Ian; his mother, Heather; and his brothers, Dan (Brenda) and Bryan (Jennifer); extended family members, including six nieces and nephews, and many friends. Marty was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Smith, in 1999.
A service will be held on March 3, 2018, at 3 p.m., at Community Covenant Church in Eagle River, Alaska. Memorial donations may be made to Anchorage West Little League, www.awlittleleague.com; Covenant House Alaska, www.ak.covenanthouse.org; or the Hope Bakery, www.downtownhopecenter.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
My deepest sympathies, Shannon. No words can describe this. We look forward to seeing him at Jesus feet. Hugs.
Sade Obomighie
June 28, 2018
Marty taught me a lot while I worked for him at ML&P. I think the most important thing he taught me was to try to bring the best out of everyone and spread your joy. His family's the deep source of his joy. I believe he will continue to be with each of them as they move into their new lives. I was blessed to know Marty and to meet Shannon, Emilee, Sean and Ian.
Jo Neumaier
March 19, 2018
My sympathies. A life well lived and, sadly ... too short.
Warren
March 6, 2018
Remember Marty when he was a very young little boy, always remember the Smiths that lived down the street in the days when we played till the sun went down, our days on Iowa drive and 43rd, so sorry for your loss, prayers to you and all your family.
RIP Marty.
Kathy Sparks-Sala
March 3, 2018
Shannon and Kids - our hearts are with you. Very sad to hear of Marty's passing.
Frank & Gail Flavin
March 3, 2018
Please know that we are praying for all of you in Marty's passing. He was a blessing to so many!
Lou Amundson
March 2, 2018
On behalf of the Anchorage West Little League Board, we are so sorry for your loss. We were lucky to get to know Marty. He was a great man. He will be dearly missed.
Allen Clendaniel
March 1, 2018
Marty was an awesome supporter of Anch West Little League, I didn't know he was sick either. I'll miss seeing him at the ballparks. My condolences to you Shannon and family
Bob Strobe
February 28, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family . May the many cherished memories of times you shared together give you a measure of peace and comfort. May the God of love give you the strength you need to endure this difficult time. John 3:16.
Rell
February 28, 2018
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.
Jody Butto
Coworker
February 27, 2018
Shannon & Heather and kids! Fuzzy and I who live across the street didn't even know that Marty was sick until a couple weeks ago! So VERY Sorry for your loss! Marty was a GREAT Guy and Neighborhood won't be the same without him! Our hearts break for you and your Family!
Lynn & Fuzzy Thompson
February 27, 2018
Heather, Shannon
How sad this makes me. I am thankful that he was in my life. I will mention him always in my prayers.
May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Our Love, Russell & Earlene
Russsell & Earlene Underwood
February 27, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear about Marty. We grew up together our family and his on 43rd. Played baseball,street hockey in the winter, football, you name it we did it. His mom and dad fed me many suppers and we did birthdays together. I have a whole childhood of memories with Marty, Danny and Brian. God Bless his children his wife and the rest of his family. God Bless you Marty!!
TS BELARDE
February 26, 2018
Shannon, I am so sorry to hear about Marty's passing. We all grew up together and this makes me so sad for you and the boys. God bless you!!
Paula Keil-Kersbergen
February 26, 2018
Shannon, I am so very sorry to see this news. I miss seeing you at Denali. Hugs yo you and your family
shelle schaefer-shaw
February 25, 2018
I am so sorry that this rich life ended so so soon. May God comfort the family who loved him so much.
Helen Cepero
February 24, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort and soothed your family in this time of need. Ps. 94:19
J S
February 24, 2018
Sorry to hear about Marty. Melanie and I knew him through the red shirt lake association. He did a lot of good work supporting the land owners rights out there. We have great respect for his intelligence and drive in supporting that effort, he saw the need and took action.
Ed Ruebling Melanie McCleave
February 23, 2018
Was saddened to hear about Marty's passing. He and I played tennis together at West High. I also remember bumping into him some years ago at Trinity after a service - I was up there visiting my mom with my family. Always friendly and a great man. Prayers to the family.
Kent Smith
February 23, 2018
My heart goes out to your family. I was never able to meet any of you in person, but felt that I knew you through our children. Hugs and prayers to all of you from Montana.
Shelly Dowdle
February 23, 2018
Your smile and spirit were infectious when we saw you at church or in the community. I know that will continue as look down from heaven.
Merri Kae Vanderploeg
February 22, 2018
I remember Marty as always smiling and always there if you needed him
Tony Lynch
February 22, 2018
Dear Smith Family,
Please know that I -and so many others -are sharing your grief. Marty was a shining soul in our world. I know you Shannon and the children carry that light forward. May you all find peace to continue your journey.
Much love
Sue
Sue Forbes
February 22, 2018
RIP Marty. Even though you and I didn't spend a lot of time together, please know that I love you and I will see you in paradise.
Michelle Johnson
February 22, 2018
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