JACK MARTIN

Jack Martin has worked his last day. He died peacefully in his sleep at Pismo Beach, Ca. on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at the age of 85 years old. He had worked his usual Farmer's Market in San Luis Obispo the day before, watched his football game, had dinner, went to bed, and never got up, his work was done. Jack was born to Will and Ruby Martin on October 22, 1926, in Reedley, Ca. He lived almost his whole life down the road from the ranch he grew up on. He and his brother Lyle Martin built the house themselves. He did spend a few years at Hills Valley with his wife LaVonne while the house was being built. Jack was a farmer from the day he was born. He farmed with his dad, then by himself, and finally with his son Ray Martin, together they built Rocking Chair Ranch. He grew mostly stone fruit, adding oranges after his wife LaVonne died, 16 years ago. These crops helped him sell at over 13 Farmers Markets a week with the help of family and friends. That was his way of meeting the public that wanted to buy his fruit. Jack attended Clay School and Kingsburg High School before farming full time. He belonged to the Ca. Cling Peach Association, was a past-president of the Lion's Club, a member of the Kingsburg Historical Society, a past member of the Kingsburg Hospital Board, and a member of the Farmer's Market Association. He also spent many years working for Del Monte Cannery as a field man. He will be remembered for his determination to work until he couldn't, the pride he felt farming his land, and Sunday brunches. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Will and Ruby Martin, his wife LaVonne, his brother Lyle Martin, his sisters Lois Garry, and Marian Gautier. He leaves behind his daughter Caryl and husband Rodney Sakaguchi, his son Ray Martin and wife Gail, his daughter Ruby Burke and husband Jim, and his daughter Wendy Roeder and husband Reynold. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A Memorial will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at his home place, 16349 E. Saginaw, Reedley, Ca. In lieu of flowers donations to the Kingsburg Historical Park would be appreciated.