Martin Zell

You will be missed always, thank you for your light and life

Today was going down a trip to memory lane. I am a member of Remember Portland when on Face Book and a picture of the old MAC was posted. I mentioned my first Christmas Party there in 1981. The Zell family truly made you family. Marty was like a big teddy bear to me and when I told him my first job was a Portland Trailblazer Ball Boy, he was full of curiosity. So many great memories of the stores. I started at Wash Sq. and then to the mother store and back to Wash Sq. And as fate would...

When reminiscing of my life to friends, Martys name comes up as a former employer. I speak of what a Kind man Marty was. I worked at Zell Brothers in the early to mid 80s. I was young, 24-26, and Marty put up with me knowing I was just a kid. Looking back, he was truly a wonderful man with a Great Big Heart. My deepest condolences to Beverly, you were the sweetest, Most beautiful lady as well.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

We have lost a gem we will cherish his memories forever ; especially his smile. Thank you for your thoughtful words Beverly

I lived in their neighborhood, followed them thhrough school an came to know Marty and Allen later in life.

I watched their father(?) "Rack on" in his sulky at the P.I. as a kid with my family.

Marty had a little cubicle below grade at an east-facing window on Zell's main floor where Marty was helping me decide on an engagement ring setting. I was scared that some pedestrian would recognize me and my secret would be out. Luckily, the secret held, but the marriage did not, but...

We only had the pleasure for a couple of days to sit across the Holzman House dining table from Marty Zell before the imposed coronavirus restrictions. But, during that brief period we experienced both Marty's smile and Beverly's graciousness. We know you rest in peace, Marty, and our sincerest condolences and wish for a peaceful heart for Beverly and the members of the Zell family.

Dick Camillucci and Cindy Aumann

I worked at Zell Brothers in the early to mid 80's, it was like being one of the family rather than an employee. He looked after all of us like a loving father would. Marty and the Zell family were my model for what a workplace could and should be like and I have been inspired by him to treat others with kindness and compassion. All these years later I still share stories of my happy memories of Marty and my years at the store. Rest well Marty.
Marcia

but enough about Marty ---- we will always miss you-