Martin Jay Boot

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Martin J. Boot on Feb. 5, 2025, at the age of 86.

He was born to Martin and Hilda Boot (Start) on Aug. 30, 1938, in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Marty loved football from a young age and was considered "the jack of all positions" by his coach before graduating from Grand Haven High School. On Nov. 23, 1956, he married Carol J. Regelin, and was a dedicated husband for over 68 years.

Marty's life was a testament to hard work and determination, sometimes working multiple jobs to support his family. He was a self-made, successful business man owning several injection molding companies, including Mar-Jay Plastics and Tecumseh Thermoplastics.

Beyond his career, Marty had a wide array of hobbies and passions. He was a longtime member of the Tecumseh Country Club. One of his proudest moments was achieving a hole-in-one at Clark Lake Golf Course in June 2020. He enjoyed traveling, NASCAR races, visits to the casino and hunting. He took great pride in keeping his family's freezers stocked with ground venison, sausage and backstrap. He was an avid fisherman and always enjoyed annual fishing trips to Kaby Lodge in Canada with his grandsons and friends. His fish fries and hush puppies were "legendary."

He briefly owned a charter boat named "The Slapshot" that operated on Lake Michigan. Marty's hands, shaped by years of labor, were rarely at rest, that was unless he was in his designated recliner, watching TV or passionately cheering (or yelling) at a football game. Especially when rooting for the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines.

Marty had an amazing green thumb, meticulously maintaining his grass and planting flowers in his yard. Every year he tended to a large vegetable garden and was happy to share his harvest with others. Marty was well known for his spectacular, high-end firework displays that brought joy to family, friends, and neighbors. He also had a love for puzzles, completing thousands over the years but always saving the last piece for his wife to finish.

Marty had a soft spot for dogs, adopting and spoiling many canine companions over the years, most recently their precious little Peanut. He also supported animal welfare causes, donating to the Lenawee Humane Society and the ASPCA. His philanthropic heart extended past those with paws, him and his wife contributed to the area's schools, hospitals, and many other charitable organizations.

Most importantly, Marty was a devoted family man, he took pride in being generous and showed up for the people in his life.

He leaves behind the wife he cherished, Carol; his loving daughters, Lisa Sees and Brenda (Paul) Marcyan; and his sister, Joyce Rowland. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Andrea, Marty, Bryan, Jessica (Isaac), Austin (Megan), Marisa, Jonathan (Jaret), Vincent, Nicholas, and Clare; as well as 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Marty leaves behind countless other family and friends who will miss his presence. His legacy of hard work, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marty Boot Jr., and his daughter, Lori Lyn Burkhardt.

Visitation for Martin will take place from 3-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20 and 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 followed by a funeral service at noon Friday at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Michigan, with Pastor Timothy Watters officiating.

Another funeral service will be held noon Saturday, Feb. 22 at VanZantwick Chapel, 620 Washington Ave. in Grand Haven. Visitation will take place an hour prior to the funeral at 11 a.m.

Internment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven, Michigan.