Martin KOCH

1952 - 2022

KOCH, Martin Robert passed away on the morning of October 31, 2022, after a tragic cycling accident. We are utterly devastated by the loss of Martin, who worked hard his entire life, and was just starting to enjoy what should have been a long and well-deserved retirement, when everything, including the happy future he had earned, was needlessly taken from him. This obituary can hardly do justice to the wonderful man he was: a kind, gentle and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, coworker and friend, the anchor of an entire family, a beloved and deeply respected man, who meant so much to so many. We are profoundly saddened by this sudden, senseless tragedy, and our hearts are broken. Martin was born in Bronxville, NY, on July 7, 1952, his family having recently immigrated from Germany after seeking refuge in China from 1938 to 1947. In 1961, the family settled permanently in St. Petersburg, FL. After graduating from Duke University in 1974, he wasted no time in joining his father, Hans, and brother-in-law, Fred, in the family business, Southwestern Suppliers, Inc. His career started with an apprenticeship in Germany, where he mastered the language and learned about the steel business. In 1984, he assumed the role of president, and over the next three decades, working alongside Fred and an amazing team of loyal and hard-working colleagues, helped Southwestern achieve decades of growth and prosperity, leading in a manner that earned him the utmost respect and admiration from his coworkers, customers, suppliers, and competitors. In 2014, Martin stepped down as president, handing over the reins to his nephew-in-law, Rob, but continued to play an active role as chairman of the board. The family is grateful to Rob and the team at Southwestern for continuing the tradition of excellence at the company to which Martin dedicated his life, which allowed him to step away and enjoy the peace and freedom of semi-retirement, and life at a more relaxed pace. Martin made friends everywhere he went, and was beloved for his outgoing nature, engaging personality, and razor-sharp wit. If you were willing to lend him an ear, he would take both, which was just one of his many endearing qualities. A venerable leader with an incredible knack for business, Martin was perhaps best known for his down-to-earth humility. He never sought the limelight, always gave credit to others, and was easily approachable. He greeted you with a genuine smile, remembered people's names automatically, and had a gift for telling stories. He was a man of old-fashioned values, with principles as strong as steel, and a naturally kind and gentle heart. In a world that is becoming more artificial and impersonal, Martin was innately authentic and instinctively personable. His dedication to his kids knew no bounds. Recognizing the importance of education and exposure to other cultures, he insisted we study hard, provided many wonderful opportunities for us to travel together as a family, and taught us to respect and appreciate diversity, both at home and abroad. An incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable, and well-rounded person, he nurtured our intellectual curiosity and was a tremendous resource, as it was nearly impossible to stump him. He taught us the value of discipline and moderation, and instilled in us his sound reason, good judgment, and practical thinking. The effort he put into being a father, and his commitment to family traditions, showed us how important family was to him, and was the reason he worked as tirelessly as he did. Most of all, he provided us with a lifetime of happy memories, which we will cherish for the rest of our lives. His wife, Nancy, was his sweetheart and inspiration. A faithful life partner and travel companion, she was the center of his world. Through her passion for photography, she reminded him that there is more to life than work, and a world outside the office that begs to be explored. Thanks to Nancy's adventurous spirit, Martin was able to travel with her to the ends of the earth (literally), visiting remote places and sharing unique and unforgettable experiences together. Her transformative effect on him over the last 20 years was unmistakable. The consummate family man, Martin was also a loving father figure to Nancy's children, and a devoted owner and friend to several lucky dogs over the years. Martin, we love you so much, and miss you terribly. We are so incredibly sorry that this happened to you, and that your time here with us was cut tragically short. Know that we will treasure your memory and keep you very close in our hearts, so you will walk down the road of life with us, and continue to live through us. You gave us an incredible foundation upon which to build. With all of the people you've touched, the valuable lessons you've taught, and the admirable example you set, you shall inspire our family for generations to come. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything. Martin is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sons, Hans and Jake; his daughter, Lyla, and her husband, Philip, and their children, Isa, Carter, and Maia; his daughter, Lara, and her husband, Justin, and their children, Hunter and Alexandra; his brother, Peter, and his wife, Laura; his sister, Monika; his stepchildren, Josh, Taylor, and Chris, and their families; his nieces and nephews; and his loyal dogs, Ziggy and Truman. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in Martin's honor to United Way Suncoast, one of the many charities he and Nancy proudly supported throughout his life. A Celebration of Martin's life will be held on November 20. To those who would like to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of a truly great man, kindly send a message to MartinKochTribute@gmail.com for more information.