Dennis Martin
PHOENIX – Dennis Martin gave a sudden but peaceful good-bye on August 9, 2018. He asked his wife, Mary, his son, Jeff, and daughter, Jennifer, and his five grandchildren, Corey, Seth, Jake, Malia and Allie to carry on without him. He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Chad. He loved his family dearly.
A dedicated troublemaker with a gigantic heart, Dennis entered the world on February 27, 1946, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Retha Smith and Herbert Martin.
He was an inventor, a storyteller, a tinkerer, a Heathkit master, an entrepreneur and a radio operator in the Army. He continued the legacy of his beloved grandfather, Seth Smith, by operating his boat propeller repair shop and spent countless hours with his children improving the family home in Rocky Point, Mexico. He was intelligent and talented and generously used all his skills to help his friends and friends of his friends whenever he was asked.
Some of his greatest joys were his family, friends, cars, boats, traveling, scuba diving, electronics, riding his motorcycle, and all things racing. He was most at peace on the ocean, at a racetrack, traveling in Europe, or simply sitting in his favorite chair with some fine wine and a cigar.
Everyone who knew Dennis saw that he was a proud husband and father. He spent many hours sharing memories, making funnies, and bragging about the accomplishments of his wife and children. He may not have realized that it was his support and unconditional love abounding that provided the wind beneath their wings.
Dennis’s beautiful, one-of-a-kind soul will live on and will continue to inspire and bring us all together. He lived well, loved much, laughed lots, inspired greatness, was adored by many, and leaves the world a better place for being in it. His brother-in-law and good friend, Tom, said, Dennis was one of the great rascals of all time. His daughter, Jennifer, put it most aptly: Dennis was really good at loving people. All of us, his family and friends, will miss him terribly.
A celebration of Dennis’s 72 trips around the sun will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, August 25th. For details, please email spayus21@gmail.com.
Dennis had to put up with an endless stream of rescued animals through his home. In his memory, we know he’d ask you to make donations to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, online at www.maricopa.gov/281/ donate, or by mail at: 2500 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009.
Dennis was also a donor to the Foundation for Blind Children, and any donations would be greatly appreciated, online at www.seeitourway.org or by mail at: 1234 E Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020.