Robert Allen Martinson

He was born August 11th, 1962, in Williston, North Dakota to James A. Martinson and Joyce C. Martinson. He graduated from Fergus High School in Lewiston, Montana in 1980.

Bob worked in the oilfield in Williston prior to suffering a spinal injury in January 1985 that left him a quadriplegic. Never one to let anything set him back, Bob proceeded to earn a degree from the University of North Dakota in Williston and later a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead before moving to San Diego in pursuit of warmer climates. He worked in the computer field and then while training at the beach was recruited for wheelchair rugby. He made many lifelong friends while playing wheelchair rugby for several local teams. He was a member of Team USA and an alternate to two USA Olympic wheelchair rugby teams and was a team ambassador for Team USA for many years. He remained active in rugby even after he stopped playing by coaching and assisting the rugby community.

He was a talented artist, gardener, and enjoyed building things for family and friends. He was an instant friend to any little kid and drew great enjoyment from the accomplishments and accolades of his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his brother Timothy (Kerry) Martinson and brother Peter (Kerrie) Martinson and Lisa Johnson his long time attendant, confidant, and partner in crime, one nephew, six nieces, and a multitude of grand nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his father James A. Martinson and mother Joyce C. Martinson.

He will be forever in our hearts and as he was fond of saying, “See you in Valhalla!”

A celebration of life will be held at his home in Oceanside on Nov. 20th at 1:00 PM.