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BORN
1947
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
John Martin Obituary
February 10, 1947 - September 30, 2021
As resident of Petaluma, Ca since 1974, John was continually involved in community projects. In an August 2015 article, "Welcome back to school, Petaluma students," John was recognized "as a volunteer and supporter of the Petaluma School District's Alternative Educational programs for the past 25 years."
An avid nature lover, he championed the Outdoor Education programs for these campuses and supported Crossroads Community Day School students through overnight campouts and monthly hikes. He believed in John Muir's belief:
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike." For John, Yosemite was his home away from home and he wanted to share it with everyone, especially the youths who are the future. In his last week, he met with a group to set up a program to fund counseling for high school students. He remained committed to helping.
His family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Sutter Hospital Santa Rosa's Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit for their expertise, compassion and excellent care given to John and his family. We are forever grateful.
Donations can be made to a Petaluma school of your choice in John's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Martin
Sponsored by Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma.
Ravi Kambampati
August 20, 2024
I know it is very late. I met John through a kindness gesture from him. I lost my wallet just in front of his house in Petaluma in 2014. Seeing my telephone number in the wallet, he called me and I went and met him to get my wallet. This friendship with me and wife endured through his medical issues and pandemic. Saw him often, and had his pleasant greeting while going on our walks through his street. He used to give music CDs he had prepared during holidays in December to everybody. The last time we talked, he was looking ahead to the coming Hawaii trip. Lately we realised that we haven’t seen him for quite some time and looked for him on google and come here. May god rest his soul. Condolences to John Matin wife and family.
Aaron Zimmerman
March 4, 2022
I know this is coming very late, but I had the opportunity to work with John several years ago as he facilitated necessary legal services for one of the communities that he was involved with. I must say that I have never met a kinder, more genuine and more decent person than John Martin. He made the lives of all of those around him better and truly cared for his fellow human beings, whether he knew them well or not. I am blessed to have spent time with him and the world is a little less bright without him. Bless you John and rest in peace. You were a gem.
Barbara Christiansen
November 4, 2021
John's will be remembered for his zest for life among many other ways he supported his community and especially its youth.
Teresa Morton
October 18, 2021
John was my favorite cousin and so full of vibrance. My paternal grandfather, Leon Morton, joked that John just spelled his last name wrong. He loved those Yosemite hikes, (his love of that area was a gift from his dad, he said.) I hiked in that park several times due to his enthusiasm for the place. His annual Christmas CD's were a joy to receive. We would talk movies, books, dogs and family. His generousity, thoughtfulness, and kindness will never be forgotten. I was so proud that he was a relative.
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Susan Kirk
October 9, 2021
Liz and family, When I think of John, I think of his great smile and his friendly demeanor. I'm so sorry for your loss. Love you, Susan and Kris Kirk
Elaine Willenborg
October 9, 2021
Ron & I will always remember John & his great smile & kindness. Was always so special to receive a Christmas CD that John spent hours/days formulating for a special few people. Sending love to Liz & the family.
Jenni Snook
October 8, 2021
John was a truly generous and gracious man. I had the privilege of joining him on many hikes with Crossroads. I so much looked forward to and enjoyed his holiday cds. Thanks to John for all he did for our community. He is greatly missed.
Mike Watt
October 8, 2021
John was a wonderful, caring, conscientious gentleman. Very knowledgeable of the outdoors and always willing to share his insight and love of nature. And he truly cared for all people, especially those in the alternative education system. Thank you John for all you have done for the students in the PCS system. And for being a great friend who I will always treasure.
Karen Kesseru
October 8, 2021
It was always a joy to chat with John on our Crossroads hikes. He really listened to what students had to say - John looked at people with the same care and intensity that he did with nature. I know the students at Crossroads enjoyed his attention and those hikes are something they will remember fondly. Thank you to his family for sharing John with all of us. Sincere condolences, Karen Kesseru
John & Virginia Marquez
October 7, 2021
Peace and tranquility in a new green meadow like the ones you visited so often.
Adobe Creek Funeral Home
October 8, 2021
Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.
Barbara Ish
October 6, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with Liz and John’s family.
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