Richard Eugene Martin

Many things can be said about Richard Eugene Martin. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic,empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Richard was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Richard was born on August 22, 1928 at home in Rockford Illinois. His parents were Fred and Laura Martin. Richard was raised in Rockford, IL. When he was young, Richard's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him, as he never met a stranger. Even as a child, Richard demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

Richard grew up with 10 siblings. He had Bill, Leo, Larry, Al, Mary Jane, Betty, Sandra, Ed, Danny and Gerald. Richard was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Richard carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Richard was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

As a young boy, Richard was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Richard could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in high school sports, Football. He was a Boy Scout and later Scout Master. At a young age Richard worked to help family delivering ice. He left Rockford at the age of 17 and joined the Navy. However, to Richard, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, Richard had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Rockford Central High and he left school to join the Navy. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Richard had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Richard was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Richard as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

On November 12, 2002 after a courtship that started in 1987, Richard married Joan and they were together for 25 years. Compassionate and devoted, Richard worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Joan came first in Richard’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Joan’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Richard did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Richard was truly a person of empathy.

Richard’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Richard shared these values with his one daughter Vicki and one son Rick. Richard was also blessed with 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, Andrea, Chad, Kyle, Matt, Laura, Steven, Jodi, Kathy, Keith and great grandchildren, Elliana, Brady, Kaelyn, Karley and Kenzie. Richard related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Richard experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was in construction/carpenter. He was employed for The City of Evanston, Village of Glenview, and the City of Phoenix. Richard always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Richard took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Richard was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Richard continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Richard was a US Navy veteran, served in Chicago. His fellow soldiers knew him as being very resourceful and kind. Richard demonstrated personal initiative and valued these same principles in those with whom he served.

Because he was organized and methodical, Richard took great pleasure in his various hobbies. He was a caddy when he was younger and this led to his love of golf. Richard enjoyed sharing his passions with others.

Richard derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Richard delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. In high school, Richard played football. Richard was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and Phoenix Suns basketball.

Throughout his life, Richard was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Richard was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Richard was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Richard’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Richard’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. Throughout his later years, Richard was an active member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.

Richard’s faith was important to him. Although he never had his own church Richard was very spiritual with God always in his heart. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated.

Richard enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Richard were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Rocky Point, Mexico.

Richard was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Richard's favorite was Cindi a Shitzsu. They were best friends.

When Richard’s retirement finally came in 1991, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Richard had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Richard knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf and trips to Rocky Point, MX with family. Even in retirement, Richard continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Richard passed away on March 19, 2012 at home of Parkinson's and Dementia. He is survived by wife Joan, daughter Vicki, son Rick, daughter-in-law Audrey, 5 brothers and 2 sisters also grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services were held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Where he was laid to rest.

Throughout his life, Richard was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Richard leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Richard Eugene Martin.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a memorial sent to Grace Hospice. www.gracehospiceaz.com