George Martin Jr., 83, of Hoonah, passed away during the early morning hours of February 18, 2016, with his beloved family by his side.
George Martin, Jr.
A memorial service will be held in Sitka at the Salvation Army at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, with burial at Sitka National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
George was born October 4, 1932, in Haines, the son of Emma and George Martin Sr. His Tlingit name was Geiyax E’esh. He was the Chookaneidi Clan Leader and Regalia Caretaker of the Glacier House.
George was proud of his family’s lifetime association with the Alaska Native Brotherhood and his own lifetime membership with Hoonah ANB Camp No. 12.
George served his country by joining the U.S. National Guard in 1951 and serving until being inducted into the U.S. Army on March 12, 1954. He rose to the rank of sergeant. On March 9, 1956, he was transferred into the U.S. Army Reserve. The U.S. Army offered to transfer him at his rank of sergeant but he declined. He insisted he started out like most everyone else and must earn his stripes on merit. Pride in his military service was always evident.
George loved to fish with his brothers, Frank Wright Sr. and John Hinchman Sr. He fished with Frankie aboard the Vagabond Queen and with Johnnie aboard the Alice H and Johnny A. One of his favorite activities was fall fishing in Excursion Inlet for chum salmon with his brothers.
George loved his Tlingit culture; he understood the responsibility, dignity and cultural respect needed for his role as the leader and clan elder.
George loved the Russian Orthodox Church and Salvation Army and took great pride in being a member of them.
He also enjoyed watching sports, both on TV and at the local high school gym where he watched his kids and grandchildren compete.
George was a loving and caring father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother.
George Martin Jr. is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tina; children Robbie Martin, Wade “Marty” Martin, Lyna Ann Martin, Haley Tokuoka-Yearout; brother Sam Martin; sisters Louise Benson, Alice Cooper, Jenny Baldwin and Marlene Johnson; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
George led a full life and felt blessed to have such a loving family and great friends. He, in turn, touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all.