As a child, Martin was quiet and always got along well with his parents and siblings. Starting with his toddler year, Martin began to accompany Dad to the auto repair shop in the village, where he later trained to become a mechanic.
Martin was a good student in school. Martin passed the difficult high school entrance examination on the first try. Unfortunately, the war prevented him from finishing.
In October 1987, Martin was given free passage on a crowded refugee boat to escape Communist Vietnam. Not far from the coast, the boat engine died with the patrol boats in pursuit. If they had been captured, it would mean prison time. Luckily, Martin fixed the engine and everyone escaped to the high sea. After 5 months at Galang Island Refugee Camp in Indonesia, Martin was transferred to Bataan Refugee Center in the Philippines for English and Cultural Orientation before entering the U. S.
In November 1988, Martin arrived in Oakland, CA and started working as a mechanic before moving to the South Bay.
In 1998, thanks to the help of Uncle Alex, Martin brought his parents to Manila from Vietnam to apply for visas to visit the U. S. From this connection, romance bloomed between him and Jonalyn Montiel, who later on became his wife. Peter was born in 2000 and they moved to California in 2004. Margarett was born a year later.
In 2010, Martin’s oldest daughter Sophie emigrated from Vietnam to California also.
For over 20 years, Martin helped many customers in the South Bay with their auto repairs. He enjoyed collecting antique cigarette lighters, clocks, and small scooters. .
Rest in peace, Blue Mountain! You will forever remain in our hearts
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