G. Timothy Martin, of Walla Walla and Whidbey Island, died at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, surrounded by family following a valiant battle with cancer.

 

Tim was born Dec. 2, 1944 and grew up in Rock Island, Ill. He attended college at Northwestern University and obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan before clerking for the Washington State Supreme Court.

 

A chance visit to a friend on Whidbey Island in 1979 inspired him to raise his family in Langley, where "hippies from Berkeley fled in the 1960s when it became too corporate."

 

Tim's unique ability to relate to people of all ages and from all walks of life was matched by an enduring curiosity about the world that continued to expand his horizons even as his declining health made such explorations more challenging. Many will remember him as an attorney - a tireless and meticulous advocate for his clients, many of whom were also his friends. But he was also a musician who performed in biker bars, and an avid student of wine and its culture. For a man who never took vacations, he loved to travel, having visited Italy, Japan and France, with Shanghai on his future itinerary. He was fascinated by history, followed politics closely and loved a good debate (which he usually won). A perfect day would find Tim sipping a glass of wine, engaged in conversation with friends or perhaps reading stories to his grandchildren, his beloved dog Sadie and cat Quincy curled at his feet.

 

Tim is survived by his wife, Jan Rose; daughter Amanda Martin and her husband Doug Raymond, grandchildren Beatrix and Quentin Raymond; son Michael Martin and his wife Chris Martin, grandchildren Katie and Austin Martin; his father's wife Martha Martin; and sister Mary Martin.

 

The family plans to remember him at a private gathering on Whidbey Island later this month. Condolences may be sent to Jan Rose at PO Box 2550, Walla Walla, WA 99362.

 

Donations may be made in his honor to Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center, also in Walla Walla.