Roger Andrew Martin

He was born on September 26, 1949 in Detroit, MI to Andrew and Wanda (Antonczak) Martin. Roger lived his entire life in the Metro Detroit Area, attending Wayne State and Oakland University, and working throughout many school districts in the metro area. Roger had a long and distinguished career in special education, making many lasting friendships, and continued to share his wealth of knowledge as a mentor and consultant after his retirement.

Roger was proud of his family, marrying Nancy Jarvis in 1971, and raising two children, Darin and Jessica, with whom he shared many inside jokes and often-remembered stories and memories. In terms of reward, meaningfulness, and end result, Roger felt that being a Dad is the best job ever.

Roger also served as a father-figure to many within his social circle and community. He shared his tools, expertise, home cooked meals, corny groaners, and unwavering support to many friends and loved ones over the years.

Upon the whitening of his whiskers, Roger would begin growing out his beard each spring to prepare for his role as Santa at numerous schools, charitable events, and frequent trips to the grocery store. Donning a festive smile and his signature red knit cap, Roger happily played the role as Santa Claus in the community, often listening to the requests of children and adults alike, and sharing his contact information through a Jolly Old Elf business card.

Roger also enjoyed exploring the outdoors while fishing and canoeing, capturing photographs of his many adventures, and would share his pictures as self-made postcards which he mailed to family and friends across the country. He could, and would, strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Roger held onto relationships dearly, lived life fully, and loved deeply.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gaery.

Roger is survived by his wife, Nancy; children Darin (Andrea) and Jessica (Galen); sisters Sharon (Tom) and Diane (Bob); numerous extended family; and an ever expanding roster of new and longtime friends.

To honor Roger’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be outdoors in the fall, his favorite season. And as Roger would say: “Something’ll happen.”