Tom A. Martin, 79

Tom A. Martin, 79, formerly of Grasmere, died at his home in Redland Wash., on July 19, 2006, from a long illness with heart disease.

A memorial service was held July 26 in Oregon City, Ore.

Tom was born at home near Grasmere on May 18, 1927. He graduated from Bruneau High School and served in the Marines during World War II.

Following his discharge he attended the University of Idaho for a year but because of an interest in teaching he transferred to Southern Idaho College of Education at Albion and graduated from there with a BA Degree in Education. It was at SICE that he met his future wife, Barbara Osier. They were married in 1951.

He later attended the University of Idaho where he earned a Master of Arts Degree and an Administrative Credential in Education.

Tom spent 36 years in the field of education serving nine years as a junior high school teacher and coach and 27 years as a principal/superintendent.

"Tom will be remembered by many for his dedication to children and his unwavering sense of humor," his family said.

He is survived by: his wife,

Barbara; sons Thomas, Terry and his wife, Connie, Tim and his wife, Denise, Tracy and his wife, Melodee; eight grandchildren; his brother, Benny, of Camden, S.C., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Edith Martin, a sister, Edie Re Tindall, and a brother, Grant.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made on his behalf to: Adventist/Health Hospice, 5835 NE 122nd. Ave., Suite 155, Portland, OR 97230-1085, or to a charity of choice.