He was born March 6, 1952, at Coalinga District Hospital to Joseph and Olga Martin. His father was a businessman and his mother a homemaker. The family moved during Pete’s early childhood to San Joaquin, later to Lompoc during his teenaged years and finally settling again in Coalinga around the age of 17.
Learning from his mother, a classical pianist, he discovered his passion for music and played many instruments such as the guitar, French horn, piano, drums, banjo, harmonica, but oh man, he could really play that guitar. Naturally, he engraved into his soul the thirst for classic rock, country and the blues, and was influenced by musicians such as Leo Kottke and Doc Watson. Many times, you could catch him by the fire finger picking that old ovation guitar surrounded by his family and great friends.
As a child, Pete discovered his passion of Judo which continued throughout his life and evolved into such martial arts as jeet kune do, kali, and wing chun. He spent many years perfecting his skills studying under David Cox and completing 1000 hours with Master Dan Inosanto.
In 1973, Pete married the love of his life and best friend, Michaeline (Mitzel) on September 16th in Huntington Lake. Shortly after, they ventured back to Coalinga to begin their family and live for the rest of his life.
Pete was a man of many trades but primarily worked in the Coalinga oilfields and on the end of a concrete trowel or the back of a paving machine, which many of those years were alongside his oldest sons leaning on a shovel perfecting their skills. Pete was also known to be found hustling pubs and barrooms back in the day with Uncle Bud Beaver and God knows what else.
Pete could always be found riding fast on two wheels with the wind at his back always pushing for more. His love for bikes did not discriminate as he rode Harleys, Triumphs, Yamahas, Hondas, BSAs, and even Matchless’ over the years. With great pride he passed his enthusiasm for two-wheeled speed on to his sons and eventually his grandchildren.
During the summer of 1994, the family moved to Coalinga Mineral Springs where he spent 23 years enjoying the peace and quiet while teaching his sons to hunt and live off the land. This chapter of his life brought great friendships and many memories his family will cherish and share for generations to come. Pete would say, “I feel closer to God in these mountains than I ever did inside a building.”
The biggest accomplishment of his life are his three sons and their successes in their families and the continuance of the honor and respect of the Martin legacy.
Pete is survived by his wife of 46 years, Michealine Jo (Mitzel); three sons and their spouses, Tanner and Brandy Martin and children Hailey (Clatt), Audra, Kiely, and Gage; Cody and Rachel Martin with children Cohen and Case; and Dylan and Chelsea Martin with children Keyara and soon to be expected baby; nephews, JD and wife Kristi Martin, Christopher Paul and wife Angela Martin, and Troy Martin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Martin; mother, Olga Martin; brother, Joseph Desiré Martin; and nephews, Todd and Leroy Martin
The family would like to leave you with Pete’s greatest sign off, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!
Services will be announced in the following weeks.
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