Curtis Marvin Martin was born on July 20, 1938 in Newberg, Oregon. After living a short time in Valsetz, OR (a timber town) as a child, his family settled in Newberg and he graduated from Newberg High School in 1956.
He joined the Navy after graduation. He was an Electrician’s Mate and served aboard the USS Rockbridge out of Norfolk, VA. His enlistment included a couple of Mediterranean cruises where they landed marines in Lebanon and Tripoli. Upon his discharge in 1959, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Weaver, on September 12, 1959. They raised 3 children in Salem, OR, 2 sons and a daughter. They were married 56 years prior to her death.
Upon learning there was no baseball league for his sons to play in, Curtis, along with several other fathers, founded Keizer Little League. He was also president the first year. The Keizer Baseball League still exists today. Curt coached both Brian and Jeff’s little league teams and assisted Brian with coaching Jefferson High School Football. He also coached a co-ed softball team that all of his children (and their spouses) played on as adults. Baseball/softball was a family affair!
Curtis also enjoyed camping and fishing with family, woodworking, gardening, and tinkering around the house. He loved telling stories about family and life. He enjoyed spending holidays with his family. Curt and Pat were very active in their church and were members in a monthly pinochle club. Pat and Curtis traveled in their retirement years visiting various sites such as Disneyland, Philadelphia, Memphis, Nashville, Branson, Hawaii, and cruises to Mexico and thru the Panama Canal.
Curt worked for Fairview for about 25 years, retired from that job and opened C. Martin and Son’s Construction to realize his dream of working for himself. After a few years, he went back to work for Oregon State University as a Construction Project Manager, and retired after 20 years of service at OSU. He was very active in his children and grandchildren's activities.
His wife Patricia passed on December 7, 2015. Curtis passed away on June 3, 2022 from complications after a fall that broke his hip. He also suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease. Curtis is survived by all three children, son Brian Martin (Teri) of Jefferson, son Jeff Martin of Salem, and daughter Teresa Sacha (Walt) of Keizer. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and brother Larry Martin (Sharlene) of Beaverton, along with many nieces and nephews.