1925-2008

Roy G. Martin, 82, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, resident for 55 years, died peacefully May 10, 2008, at the Circle of Life in Coeur d’Alene, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Dore, N.D., on Nov. 1, 1925, to George Martin and Ova Kruse Martin, the youngest of eight children. He was married to Edna Vickstrom on Nov. 5, 1947, in Glendive, not far from Fairview where they had grown up. Two daughters were born to this marriage, Ginger Martin Flynn and Lesli Martin Linde.

Roy was a true patriot due to his military service during World War II where he served in the Army as a combat infantryman/marksman expert/gunner. He served on the front line in the Campaign in New Guinea, Southern Philippines - Luzon where his unit was distinguished with the Bronze Arrowhead Victory Medal, Asiatic Service, and the Liberation Medal with three Bronze Stars. He was delighted to find reference to this perilous campaign chronicled by his battalion’s chaplain, Lamar dark, in Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Greatest Generation Speaks.” He was honorably discharged.

He was a hard worker and a jack of all trades, working as a farm hand in his youth, to welder, milkman, mill worker and finish carpenter; to owning and operating Roy Martin Construction for many years while being a member of the North Idaho Building Contractor’s Association. After retiring, he built a large apartment complex that he owned and managed with his wife until 2003.

Roy enjoyed his retirement traveling with his wife in their RV during the Idaho winters, attending fairs and rodeos and visiting friends. He took great pride in his gardening with spectacular roses, pristine flower beds and manicured lawns every year. With his retirement came great-grandchildren whom he adored as much as his three granddaughters.

We will greatly miss this tough old cowboy, but know he is kicking up a little dust in that cosmic honky-tonk. He was at peace with his life.

Surviving family includes his wife, Edna; daughters, Ginger (Patrick) Flynn and Lesli Linde, all of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; two sisters, Alvina Ditto, Cheney, Wash., and Alberta Sowie, Sidney; granddaughters, Tricia Flynn (Eric Ellingsen) and great-grandsons, Max and Alex, Spokane, Wash.; Bridget Flynn (Jeff Pilcher and great-granddaughters Keelyn and Ryann, Moscow, Idaho; Anna Flynn (Joe Angelo) and great-grandchildren Matt and Lindsey, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Also special family friends, Tim, LeaAnn and Brooke Van Lohuizen.

His family and their achievements were his greatest joy.

A celebration of life was held for family and friends at 3 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2008, at Patrick and Ginger Flynn’s home. Memorials may be sent to The Children’s Village, 1350 W. Hanley, Coeur d'Alene, ID, or the charity of your choice.

Graveside service was at 2 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.