It has been years and i havent signed the guest book. I think its do time even if no one sees it. I will always miss my father and remember the fondest memories of him. My fondest memory is the night before he passed. Laughing with me like he did when I was a kid.I always think of him in tough times. His strength always gave me strength. I love you dad and can't be more happy you were my father.

How do you sum up such strong feelings into words? I wish I wasn't having to write this...even days later it still feels unreal, like a terrible dream that you want to wake up from. 

Even before I met Marty, I was thankful to him- because he raised such a wonderful son who I am forever grateful is a part of my life. To hear Brandon talk, you would've thought the sun rose and set in Marty's eyes, and so I knew he must be a very special man. I was so nervous to make a good impression on him because of how important he was to Brandon. At the time, I didn't realize what a special imprint he would have on my own life. 

Coming into the middle of all the chaos last year, I really did not know any of you or what to expect. Right away, I felt welcome. Marty had this way of talking to people, of making them feel comfortable and accepted. He never once made me feel like an outsider. He had such a great sense of humor, even until the end. He could always make people laugh. I know how incredibly important family was to him. To me, he became my second father. He was the first person that congratulated me on the pregnancy, and from that day that was all he ever talked about to me. I feel it a great honor to carry his grandchild and to carry on a part of him. I know from the day she is born she will have someone watching over her. I know he is watching over all of us.

It certainly hasn't been the easiest year for me, or surely for you all, but it is one that I would never give up because it has changed me forever. I only wish that Marty, and all of you, had come into my life sooner. You guys have become my family down here, when I was so far away from all my true blood relatives. I feel lucky to have you. And from you, I have seen the endurance of true love...in terms of a family and in terms of a marriage. I know your family will get through this. You are strong- that is what Marty was, that is what it means to be a Bliss. 

I wish I could have said thank you to him...for everything. But words could never express my gratitude for all the things he taught me about life. I can only hope that he knows.

To my Big Sis, Megan, Quinten, Brandon, & Ross....

Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.  I am sorry we were not able to travel to be with you during this time.  We know and feel Marty's presence with us daily.  In our hearts he is in a beautiful place full of happiness, love, warmth and joy.  Marty will never be gone, he has touched us all in many different ways and will continue to do so, through eternity.

From the very beginning he has made my sister the happiest she has ever been.  There have been "hiccups" but that is what life is.  We ride the ride and when it is over we get off and move on to the ferris wheel.  He is a wonderful man full of determination and has an unbelievable love for his family.  Anyone who encountered him has been truly blessed.  Remember all the wonderful memories and share them often.  Even now when you recall the stories he will be there making you smile.

We love you all and know we are always here, should you need an ear for one of those beautiful stories.

Melissa, Zackery, and Osai

Jenny and family,
my sincerest condolences.

I was the last person to fly with Marty. He was part of our C-27 crew here in Bogota. Unfortunately, his time with us was brief. However, in that short time he became an old friend, to all of us. His sudden departure from here left a gap in our crew that will not be filled.

He is truly missed.

John

Jenny,   All of us down here in Bogota loved Marty.  He brought joy wherever he went.  We had great times flying together; and when I was introduced to you and the kids who were down here, I could see where a lot of the "bubbly" person my friend, Marty, possessed, came from.  Marty was a classy guy.  You are a classy lady, and I will never forget the calls I made to you and him; nor will I ever forget the calls you made to me.  Yes, I am an emotional person, and there were a few times that the emotions were not to be controlled.  I'm sure that didn't help you to be strong during the tromatic times you faced.  It's not that being from the deep south makes one's emotions close to the surface; it's about having deep feelings of caring for people who truly deserve to be the recipients of those feelings.  God Bless You and your family.  Charlie

Jenny and kids, Juno and I want you to know that we think of you and Marty often. He was such a great guy, a lot of fun, and a wonderful friend. Troy, Juno and I loved him very much. Troy was so proud to have Marty for his friend, and always bragged him up. Troy passed six months before Marty did, but I know they are together sitting on Heaven's deck. He's stronger now, and will always protect you. You will miss him very much, but like childbirth, soon the pain will be forgotten and your memories will consist mainly of the good things. These transitions of birth and death are not easy on anyone who goes through them, but they are a necessary part of the cycle. Talk to him often, he will hear you, and will always be there for you.

Jenny,

Although I knew Marty only in the last few years of his life, I quickly learned from the small community we share that he was well respected and admired. As a member of the military I can say that for your family you have much to be proud of. 

Marty will leave a lasting memory for us, and as your children grow they will hear from more from his military family the impact he made.

We wish you God's blessings and a prayer for Marty.

I am soory to hear that Marty has passed on.  I enjoyed working with Marty while we both were in the MI Army National Guard in Grand Ledge, MI.  I will miss him as I will miss all of our friends that have passed on to a better place to be.  May God be with you and family of Marty.  You all are in my prayers.

Doug Burruss

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marty's family and loved one. Marty was a good friend, and a fine soldier.

Marty was one of the original "Beasty Boys", flying Cobras with "B" Company, 1/238 Avn.  He was our aviation safety officer, good friend, and one of the best pilots of the bunch.  We will miss his smile, his dry wit, and his winning personality.  With deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

To Marty's family.
 My wife and I send our deepest condolences and our prayers go out to you. Our hearts are filled with saddness to your loss. When ever I met Marty , he always had a warm smile. He will never be forgotten.

George Lammers SFC  Ret.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Jennifer and Family 

It is with a sad heart that I add my comments to Martyâs guest book.  

Marty was always a head above the rest, not just because of his height, but because of the smile on his face and his even tempered nature.  Marty and I go back to when he first started working at the Aviation Support Facility as a trainer in the 1/238th Atk Bn.  It was so enjoyable to have had the opportunity to work with Marty and watch his progress throughout his career in aviation.   His excellence in everything he touched was evident and he continually was elevated in positions of more responsibility and difficulty as he continued his career up through the ranks to his final position as the Commander of the C-12 Flight Detachment as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 CW-5.  

While Martyâs travels far exceeded my own, we did on many occasions have the opportunity to share time together while traveling for the guard and it was always a pleasure to have his company and expertise with me during safety conferences and inspections.   

Marty was never one to boast or to promote himself at the expense of others, but rather was able to remain calm in the face of adversity and always put the best interest of the program ahead of personal interests.  Martyâs dedication to duty and country were in the finest traditions of military service, which was evidenced throughout his career.  

While I know that his untimely passing will leave a large gap for all of his family to deal with, remember and focus on the wonderful person that your loved one Marty was and the impact that his kind and gentle ways reflected on all those that he touched.  To say he will be missed would be an understament not only to you, but to all of us that were fortunate to have had him as a friend.  

John & Linda Johnson

Jenny,

I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing.  I am so glad that you and the children were able to have this time with him.  Time is precious and while the reason for him being home was not ideal, you were able to cherish the time and your lives together.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of Martin's family.

Dear Jenny and Children,
We were very saddened to hear of Marty's illness and passing.  He was a great guy and a friend to so many in the National Guard.  I feel honored to have worked with and for him as the secretary at the AASF.  Joe also enjoyed working and flying with Marty and considered him a good friend and soldier.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.  Just know he is in a better place waiting to greet all his family and friends when the time comes for each of us.  Love, Joe & Cindy McDowell

Marty was the best boss I've ever had.  I'll miss his smile, his laugh, his listening ear and his shoulder to cry on. He was my best friend.   I miss you and you will always have a special place in my heart.  Rest in peace Marty.

Mrs Bliss, it is with deep regret and sorrow I learned of Marty's passing.  Marty was a great Warrant Officer and Soldier.  Marty will be missed by his many friends in the Michigan National Guard.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the children. 

COL Ret Ellis and Marilyn Brumbaugh

Jenny

I am saddened to hear that Marty has passing on. Although Marty worked on the dark side Gun Bunnies we Slick drivers always enjoyed seeing him. My prayers are with you in your hour of need. He was one of our brothers and will be dearly missed. Please remember that Marty was a professional in every way.

CW4 Ron Morgan Ret

Jenny:

So sorry for the loss of Marty.  You and the children are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marty and I first met in the summer of 1986. We had some good times. He will not be forgotten.

Jennie, Sorry to hear of Marty's passing. He was a true professional aviator that we all respected.

The things we will miss the most is his warm smile and personal drive. In addition, Marty always had a great attitude that was contagious. 

I can remember when we chose Marty for flight school, we knew then he would be a winner. His service as  the C-12 piot supervisor was commendable and appreciated. 

The many times that Marty flew me his performance was exemplary. He was a "Natural" and kept us safe in a lot of bad weather conditions.

Our prayers are with you and your family. I feel bad we can't be with you in Florida but rest assured that all in Michigan aviation are supporting you and the family during this time of sadness.

We will never forget Marty and the contributions he made to Michigan Army Aviation.

Please call if you need any support from any of us.

General Rowland

Jenny:  I work full time in the Chief of Staff office for the Michigan National Guard and worked often with Marty on flight schedules.  He was always great to work with even in trying times.  His great smile always made bad days seem better.  I did have the opportunity to meet you one time at the C-12 hanger and want you to  know that you and the family will be in my prayers.  If I can be of assistance in anyway, please let me know.

Marty's Family, 

Marty was great leader and soldier, he served his country with great distinction.  We will miss him dearly.  Marty and I grew up together in the Army Aviation Community and I could always rely on his calming personality and can do attitude to easy our growing pains.  Marty's smile and wit will be with me forever. Most important to Marty was his family!  He took great pride in his family and spoke highly of you often.  His passion for you was always clear to us.  God bless you and I pray for your strength during this difficult time.

Ted Mickevicius

Marty has been a great uncle to me. He always liked to have a good time with me when I would visit. I remember a long time ago when I was about 6 or so he took me to a park and spun me around and around on the merry-go-round. I had so much fun and he has much fun spinning me. That was just one of my fond memories of when i was a child with him. I will never forget him or the last time I saw him. It was at my wedding in 2007. He came even though he was going through all of this stuff with his health. I will never forget that. Never. He made the effort to come even though he was sick. He was a wonderful uncle and I wish he was still here. I wish there was more time so I could have came to see him before he left. He will never be forgotten. He will always be with his family and in all of our hearts.

I have many memories of Marty. He always told it like it was. Especially with me. All that I had gone through, he was a great support person to talk to. I will always remember how funny he was and what a simply wonderful personality he had.  His strength impressed us. Mind and body. His being a Kick boxing champion and his daily weightlifting regimen to be fit, but not cocky. That was Marty. Genuine to the core. This is the Marty I will keep in my heart and remember for all time. He will be missed dearly. I know and feel that he is in the place where all the souls rest. I already know he is there watching over us all, in  peace finally.  All my prayers to my   Sister Jenny, niece Megan and Nephew Quinton.  All my love to you.....

Jenny and family,

This is an occasion where words fail me. The loss of any person, especially a special person like Marty, is just so difficult to comprehend let alone comment about in a meaningful way. I guess this is why we choose to do what we can to remember and to celebrate life, it's gift, it's meaning, and maybe we learn from these experiences to make better choices in how we share our time here on earth. If this attitude is correct then truly Marty had a wonderful life. Thank you for sharing him with us. 

Ray Segorski, CW4 MI ARNG Ret

Our condolences go out to you and your family. We were so sorry hear of Marty's passing, his cheerfulness and positive attitude always made him great to be around.  He will surely be missed.
CW 4 Donald Bricker ret/Beth Bricker
Plainwell, MI

Jenny - I am so sorry for your and our loss.  Of course, you know that Marty and I worked together for years there in Grand Ledge.  He was certainly a fine officer, aviator, and soldier, but more importantly he was a great friend to all who had the privilege to know him.

I have so many terrific memories of working with Marty.  He was definitely a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy.  You always knew where you stood with Marty and I am happy and proud to have been able to call him my friend.

His smile and positive attitude were infectious and it was impossible to stay down while he was around.  We were all better for knowing him and feel his loss greatly.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. - Jim

Jennifer and family, I was saddened by the news that Marty had pasted.  Marty was always a great partner to fly with and a superior officer and commander of the c12 unit.  I am truly sorry for your loss, he was highly thought of by all our National Guard Family.

Jenny and family,

It is with a heavy heart that we send our condolences on Marty's passing.  Words alone can not express the sorrow we feel.  I am honored to not only have known Marty at work, but to have known you guys on a personal level also.  I was so grateful having you take care of my daughter while I worked. 
 
Michaela was sharing a couple of stories with me this morning from when you used to watch her.  One was when you bought her a make-up kit and she had blush all over her face.  I thought she had gotten a sunburn that day and you guys laughed about it.  She also shared how she had learned to "pump her legs" when swimming while at your house.  It is hard to believe that my little girl graduates from high school this evening.

Marty was a great guy to work with.  Even though we were in different battalions, Marty was always there to lend a helping hand when you needed it.  His sense of humor always kept you smiling.  You could be having an absolute horrible day and he could make you laugh.  When he transferred to the C-12 detachment, he would come to the rescue when called.  I fondly remember when our Chinooks returned from Iraq and I was in Charleston, SC.  It was right prior to Easter weekend and we wanted our junior Soldier's to spend the weekend with their families.  He flew down there to take them home for the weekend.  He always believed in taking care of the troops. 
 
He will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched.  He was a very special man and we will always be honored to have known him.  The Michigan Army Aviation community has yet another "Angel" to watch over us.  You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you and the kids.

Lisa Marie and Michaela

Marty was a good friend and I enjoyed flying with him until I retired in '97. I have many photos of him that will be great memories of a great guy.
Joe

Words cannot describe the profound sense of loss for anyone that knew and  loved Marty. I pray the Lord will comfort you at this time of loss.

Jenny and Family,
Philly and I were very saddened when we learned of Marty's passing.  We had no idea that he had this ongoing battle.  

Marty was a very good and caring person and I always enjoyed my time with him.  He was a true pleasure to be with and I can proudly call him my friend.  

We will keep you and your family in our prayers.  God bless you all.

With great saddness, 
Phyllis and Andy Keeney
Dewitt, MI

He will be missed but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts.

Jenny, Megan & Quinten,

He was taken much too soon. We will never forget the times we all spent together from the first day you watched our kids just 2 months before Quinten was born, the Navy Ball, numerous birthdays, Euchre/Uno parties and New Year's Eve parties. There was always excitment when Jenny & Marty were around!

Thank you for wonderful memories - they will be cherished.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and may God carry you through.

With our love,
Joe, Michelle, Kati & Eric

Very sorry to hear of your loss.  Have thought of Marty often after hearing of his illness.  I had worked at the Grand Ledge Armory for many years with Marty and became very good friends.  My condolences to the whole family.

As Marts wife, I believe I knew him Better than anyone. The times we shared were wonderful. We had almost 20 beautiful years together even through the bumps we hit along the way. Underneath everything we were and always will be best friends. We shared all of our secrets as friends do. We leaned on each other through the best and the worst of times and for that I will always be greatful. He touched every person he ever met because of his light. He had that light right up to the end. He remebers all of the good times he had with his Army buddies and Tae kwon do friends and wes poke of those times alot recently. The kids and I will definitely be missing a huge part of our lives now, but Mart is still here with us and will never be forgotten. I hope that anyone could ever have the bond that we share. It was an honor to be his wife and his friend and his soulmate. Thank you to anyone who was truly Martys friend. I'm sure he won't forget you.
Jenny Bliss, Megan, Quinten, Brandon, and Ross

Jenny and family,

As you know, Marty and I went up through the ranks together in TaeKwonDo for over 5 years. He was very instumental to me with his loyalty, enthusiasm and competitiveness. He has undoubtedly touched my heart and all others that have met him. The world today would be a better place if there were more like Marty. May he rest in peace and I look forward to seeing him again above the blue skies where he loved to fly.

Its rough knowing that a person like my dad is not around anymore. He was so strong that just all of a sudden hes weak. Hes always been sweet and to other people like I remember this one time it was at Wallgreens and this lady was having car troubles and of course my dad got up and helped her. Im really going to miss him i mean come its my dad and i just didnt want to be one of thoughs little girls that doesnt hear good night princess anymore.

Jenny & Family

Gary, Taylor and I offer our condolences for the loss Marty.  You were all such great friends and we were sad when you had to move to Florida. I know Marty was a very special person in your life and am sorry for your loss of great guy.  We will keep you and the children in our prayers.  If there is anything we can do, let us know.  Love, Bridget, Gary & Taylor...

Jenny, Quinten, Megan & family
All of us want you to know how sorry we are for you and the kids. We may not be there in person but you are very much in our thoughts and prayers.  You're a strong person and in time you will heal. Give Megan & Quinten hugs for us and tell them we all love them and miss them. You are always welcome here in Hermitage/Pa. Come and visit when you can.
Love Aunt Patty,Sean,Grama & Pupup

Most sincere condolences from Heron Creek Middle School.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My wife and I knew Marty back in his C-12 flying days. Always the professional, he also had a gift for making his "pax" comfortable, relaxed, no matter the weather, with a ready smile and upbeat positive attitude. While we can only imagine your grief, please know how special he was to all of us that flew and worked with him, and how proud you must be for his outstanding service to his God, State, and Country. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand thru this difficult time.  -Mike & Terri Michaelson

Hello Bliss Family,
I just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We are thinking of you during this difficult time.  We were very sad to hear about Marty.  Gowan and Sophie want you to know that they think of you often too.  If you need anything, please do not hesitate to write or call.  Our love is with you!

Jenny and Family,
I met Marty years ago and flew with him a few times.  I will never forget the last flight I had with Marty and the time at T&T's in Aurora, WI. Small town across from Iron Mountain, MI.  Marty ordered the biggest steak they had on the menu. I am truley saddened to hear of his passing, such a fine man to know. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...

To the Bliss Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. He was always a joy to be around and a true patriot. His actions and deads were always of the highest caliber. It is was a real blessing to have known him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jenny, Megan, Quinten, Brandon,Ross
We are saddened & very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and our son-in-law Marty.
We are full of admiration of the man he was. He excelled in all he sought to attain. He was one of the most kind, gentle, loving strong men I have ever known.
It has been an honor and a privilage to have had him in our lives. Some of Marty will always be with us.
May God bless you all.

Jenny,
We are sorry for your loss, we knew Marty for a short time here in Colombia, but came to care for him very much.  I know you did not know all of his acquaintences or friends so I apoligize for the inappropiately timed e-mail that gave us the message that he had passed.
Our hearts go out to you and your family in this time of mourning.

Jim & Luz Ma
Bogota

Bliss Family,
  The Discovery Team has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.  Please accept our condolences.
Kathy Avery and The Discovery Team

OBITUARY

Martin Randolph Bliss

December 31, 1969 – December 31, 1969

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

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