Walter R. ""Walt"" Martin

Martin, Walter "Walt" R.
81, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on January 6, 2013 with his wife Ginny by his side. Walt was born April 28, 1931 in Denver, Colorado to Julia (Rudolph) Martin and Harry A. Martin, their youngest child with three older sisters. He spent his early years in his loved home of Colorado. There he made some life long friends, played football and baseball while in school, and as a young man started his passion for golf. Why else would there be a beautiful sunny day with green grass? While he was in Colorado, he was blessed by the birth of his two beloved daughters, Vicki and Paula. During his career with United Airlines, Motel 6 and Resort Hotels, he lived in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Durango, Colorado, and several areas in California including Los Angeles. He and Ginny moved to Mesa, AZ in 2000. During his retirement in Arizona, he volunteered as a tutor for English in Adult Education. He became very interested in the needs of children under CPS care and served on several Foster Care Review Boards for four years. This was well suited to his talent of problem analysis and solutions and he felt a worthy cause. Even though the boards' participants are volunteers, this was the way to bring information to those who make lasting decisions in these children's lives. Walt had many interests, he enjoyed all sports while either participating or as a spectator, was an avid reader of US history, a talented artist, loved music and enjoyed being with his family and friends. We will miss his sense of humor, his smiles, laugher and his love. He leaves his loving family, his wife Ginny, daughter Victoria (husband Eugene) Roggenduck of Blackhawk, Colorado, daughter Paula (husband Ralph) Hughes of Tigard, Oregon, grandchildren Kerry and Kaitlyn Hughes, his best friend and brother-in-law Richard Stoneman of Greeley, Colorado, his loved nieces, nephews and friends. Walt was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters, Judy, Virginia and Dorothy. Cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be this summer when he will be returned home to Colorado and his ashes scattered. Donations, if desired, may be made to St. Mary's Food Alliance, PO Box 29449, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9449 or to a charity of your choice.