Martin Odell Anderson

Martin Anderson Obituary

Anderson, USN (retired) Martin Odell Anderson was born in Declo, Idaho, Nov. 16, 1933 to Martin V. and Viola Ruth Anderson. He died in Port Angeles, Wash. on Aug. 10, 2006. Martin's parents divorced when he was very young and his mother later married Herbert A. Pollard, Sr. Martin grew up in Southern Idaho and southeastern Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School in Klamath Falls, Ore. in 1952. Martin proudly served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1972 as a "Sea-Bee" construction mechanic, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He built airstrips and roads and maintained construction equipment during tours of duty in the Philippines, Guam, Japan, Okinawa and two tours in Vietnam (1967-1969). He won many medals and trophies for marksmanship while competing for various Navy pistol teams. Upon retiring from the Navy, Martin moved to Boise to be near family and to catch up on the hunting and fishing he had missed while serving his country. Martin worked as a marine mechanic for Rostock Boats, Catfish Marine and Capitol Sports before opening his own shop, the "Ancient Mariner Boat Works," where he developed a reputation for being able to fix any outboard or inboard boat motor unless the fish were biting, the ducks were flying or the deer season was open. For the past 10 years, Martin cut back to two fishing trips per year; three months at Neah Bay, Wash. fishing for salmon and halibut and three months in Mazatlan, Mexico where he also enjoyed studying Spanish and the local culture. He is survived by his brother and fishing partner Herb Pollard II and Herb's wife Darlene, of Boise; sisters Dr. Ruth Hodges of Nevada City, Calif.; and Cinda (Ramon) Blair of Lakeview, Ore. and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Sherrill and Susan. According to Martin's wishes, his ashes were scattered at sea near Cape Flattery, Wash., where the Straits of Juan de Fuca meet the Pacific Ocean. Under the wide and starry sky Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live, and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse you grave for me: "Here he lies, where he longed to be; Home is the Sailor, home from the sea And the hunter, from the hill"

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Aug. 26, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Anderson

1 Entry

Emily Rydalch

September 21, 2006

Martin and I were together from 1983 to 1993 and kept in touch thru email and phone calls. Martin had taught me many things and was one of the most brilliant men I have ever met. Building the shop for the boats to be repaired in and trying to dig a well on the west side near the drive way. Always looking for parts and loosing them in the mess in the spare trailor and having a place to roam around to think. He always knew the area where they were.

Martin enjoyed reading and cooking after his long day of work.

He would cook one part of the meal while I cooked the other. He taught me many different ways to cook with and without a recipe. I learned how to make chili and find a good cut of meat, how to prepare it and the best ways of choosing the right cuts with the right color.

Martin taught me how to run the backhoe and front loader and work them correctly. He worked with me on our small farm and I learned about farming.

Martin always liked watching someone learn.

As we went fishing with Gil and Pat out on the Olymic Pennicila at Neah Bay I found many things of interest and fileting a fish of larger sizes became a small thing.

His cooking was out of this world. Martin could make my bad cooking taste so good. One day he said he learn to cook in self defense.

We spent time with travel and at home. I learned of my diabetes when with Martin and he was the most supportive person. He would do anything to make sure I was well. Martin was an exciting person in my life and taught me a great deal more than anyone else.

His common knowledge was outstanding and manners admirable. His kindess was remarkable to me and his memory never failing.

Knowing him all these years and keeping in touch has enlightened my life and his memory will always be savored. One of the best men I have ever met and one I will never forget. I will indeed miss him and think always of him. He meant a lot to me and I am sure others feel the same. My best to his memory. Emily

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