John E. Martin
John’s great life adventure began in Grass Valley, CA, January 19, 1941 and softly ended on May 5, 2015 at home in Petaluma, CA. He was the first son of Betty Eileen Collacott and John Wesley Martin. He is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 20 years who he was “madly in love with.” He also leaves his treasured brothers: David (Linda) of Sacramento, and Paul (Christine) of Connecticut. He will also be sorely missed by his former wife Carol Martin, and loving sons and stepsons: John (Kathy) of Los Angeles, Geoffrey (Susan) of Lafayette, and Chris (Petronella) of Berkeley, Martin Carroll (Christine) of New Hampshire, Steven Carroll (Christy) of Novato and by his beloved grandchildren: Jack Martin, Grace, Audrey, Wesley, Amelie, Quincy, Seara, Owen, Everett, Abigail and Jack Carroll, all of whom made him very proud.
John’s formative years were spent in Grass Valley and the greater Bay Area. In the 1960’s he studied at S.F.State and started his family in Berkeley where they lived for 30 years. His professional life took him from Cutter Laboratories to Arthur Anderson (CPA) in the 1970’s and ultimately into Healthcare finance where his vision changed, sustained and benefited many local hospitals.
Maintaining long-term friendships was important to John and he shared his many interests with a wide range of friends. Early on he was an Eagle Scout, reveled in his High Sierra treks and was a proud “Friend of Bill”. His passions included golf, bridge, and trains of all sizes, reading, music, theater, fine art and photography. After he retired in 2000 he studied art and became an accomplished artist. His commitment to the arts was further demonstrated by his and Pat’s generous support of the Green Music Center at Sonoma State and their regular attendance at the Santa Rosa Symphony, Bay Area Theater and the San Francisco Opera.
John saw his life as rich, full and happy. The qualities others saw in him include: a loving nature, loyalty, generosity, curiosity, imagination, patience, courage, tenacity, intelligence and whimsy. He was a “pragmatist with a soul.” His strength of character helped him face and survive many years of health challenges with great grace.
His wife and family will forever be grateful for the outstanding care he received from his wonderful team of doctors in Marin County and ultimately from Hospice of Petaluma.
A private celebration of John’s life is pending.
The family hopes that you will consider making a donation in John’s memory to Hospice of Petaluma 416 Payran St, Petaluma CA 94952 or Santa Rosa Symphony Music Education Program at www.santarosasymphony.com
Online condolences may be sent to AdobeCreekFuneralHome.com