Benjamin Martin

He grew up in Beaverton, OR and attended Beaverton High school. In 1954, Ben joined the US Marine Crops and served his Country honorably.

His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him 3 purple hearts and a silver star at the Cuban Crisis. In July of 1966, Ben was sent home after being injured in action. He was hit 28 times with shrapnel & a small fire arm. The men in his company said “Old Ben was too tough to let it get him down.”

Upon retiring from the marines, he worked at Loomis Armord US, in the construction field and at the post office, from where he retired at 55. While working for Loomis, he was robbed 2 times, with both times making it out safely and one time preventing any money from being stolen. His grandson Robert is quoted as saying, “No one in this world will ever be as tough in my eyes.” This really was the perception of Ben in a lot of people’s eyes. He was very proud of his service to his country and would never fail to sit you down and share with you amazing stories of his adventures. Ben was also known as a family man and always enjoyed visits with his grandchildren and family and always made sure that he was home for turkey on Thanksgiving. He was a very active member in his community and belonged to the local American Legion. DAV, VFW and 40/8 Voiture Chef De Gard of the State of Oregon.

Benjamin passed away on January 18th,2017, in the presence of his wife, daughter, and a few grandchildren at Providence Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mr. Martin is survived by his wife of 60 years Leona Martin of Newberg, daughter Barbara Martin, of Newberg, sons Raymond Martin and wife Annagay of Redmond, Rick Martin of Hillsboro and Ronald Martin of Moro, 5 grandchildren Robert Dornan and his wife Nicole of Beaverton, Greg Dornan of Beaverton, Mike Wagner and his wife Katrina of Aloha, Lindsay Jones of Aloha and Kelly Martin of Forest Grove, 5 great-grandchildren, Karlye, Dylan, Elana, Mason and Dylynn, 2 brothers, Robert Martinez and his wife Jody of Denver, Thomas Martinez and his wife Debbie of Denver, and 4 sisters Mary Gonzaliz of Boulder, Geraldine and her husband Dennis Kulser of Madras, Bernice Martinez of Denver, Theresa Martinez of Denver and other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.