Duane P. Martin, 63
"Join us in celebrating the life of Duane P. Martin, whose journey with us" ended on May 13, 2005, in Tucson, Ariz. He fought a courageous seven-year battle following a bone marrow transplant and numerous surgeries and setbacks.
He was a man whose devotion to his family and friends was marked by gentle strength, character and integrity. He also possessed a special sense of humor and a quiet charisma. Through his love for life, his unwavering sense of direction and down-to-earth wisdom, he was a wonderful example to all of us who had the honor to know him and love him.
He was born Nov. 16, 1941, in Bismarck N.D., to Pius and Louella Martin. At the age of 4 his family moved to Ronan. Duane graduated from Ronan High School, where he forged many life-long friendships.
He served in the National Guard, attended the University of Montana, and then spent most of his career in the finance industry. He finally found his soul mate, Pam Roberson, and married her on Aug. 23, 1985, in Kalispell.
Duane was preceded in death by his father, Pius J. Martin.
He is survived by his mother, Louella Brechbill, of Burnsville, Minn.; his wife, Pam Martin, of Tucson; his daughter, Audra Fletcher and Martin of Spokane; his son, Jeremiah Roberson of Maplewood, Minn.; two grandchildren, Baylie and Colton Fletcher of Spokane; one brother, Dennis Martin and his wife, Cathy, of Kirkland, Wash.; three sisters, Darlene Bortel and her husband, Mike, of Apple Valley, Minn.; Diane Mason and Mike Kangas of Apple Valley; and Sharon Brown and her husband, Steve, of Helena. He is further survived by nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Duane Martin will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 20, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Ronan. His uncle, Pastor Jerry Klaudt will officiate. Graveside services will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan. Per Duane's request, casual attire is encouraged.
For those who wish to celebrate Duane's life, there will be a reception at the Ronan Golf Course at 5 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the National Bone Marrow Registry or to the Leukemia Society.
Pallbearers are Ron Benson, Harold Fullerton, Ray Hawk, Joel Hefty, Gary Hughes, John Lindberg, Chuck Lockwood, and Tom Weaver. Honorary pallbearers include Frank Arlint, Gary Bocksnick, Jack Collins, Clifford Eckley, Leonard Schacher, and Robin Sterling.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joe Mills of Austin, Texas, for his compassion and expert care of Duane for the first five years following his transplant.