Donald Eugene Martin, born November 10, 1937 in Carmel, CA, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Don's entire family – including sons Stan, Todd and Brian, sister Laurel, step-mother Lys, grandsons Kai and Drew, ex-wife Florence and longtime partner Wanda – will miss him dearly.

Born in 1937 to Jack and Beatrice Martin in Carmel, CA, Don attended schools in Carmel before attending Monterey Peninsula College and subsequently Cal Berkeley, where he met Florence Nedeff, who would become his wife of nearly 30 years.

Building things was Don's superpower from a very early age. From helping to run the family farm in Carmel as a young man to working on satellites that would one day encircle the earth during his years in the aerospace industry, he was a natural at solving challenges. He taught college courses, inspired teams he worked with, was an active Boy Scout leader, and was always willing to help anyone "figure it out."

For his sons, home was a playground for projects – both big and small – that challenged and shaped them in the best of ways. The garage never had room for cars. It was a workshop…and where the magic happened.

Adventure and a deep love of the outdoors was also in his blood. Backpacking and canoe trips were the norm for his family and with his closest friends. One of his favorites: Hiking 211 miles across the Sierras on the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trails. Today, his sons and grandsons carry forward his love for all things elevated…from the hills close to home to the highest peaks in the country. Strong legs, a hunger for altitude, is perhaps his most valuable earthly legacy.

11/20/04: Dad surrendered his life to Jesus at the Billy Graham crusade in Anaheim, CA. This was a beautiful and profoundly pivotal new direction in his life. As his relationship with Christ grew, peace and joy began to soften his rough edges and reveal more of the kindness and generosity that had been feathered into his life's portrait since he was a young boy. The man God intended him to be. He was a friendly neighbor, a proud grandpa, an ever-present brother, an enduring patriarch, a supportive partner and a good man.

He is now in the loving hands of our good Lord, Jesus, and awaiting our arrival. 😇

A celebration-of-life memorial will be held Sunday, July 27th, 2025, 4pm in the Main Lounge of Clubhouse 1 at Laguna Woods (24232 Calle Aragon, Laguna Woods, CA 92637) Casual attire. When entering Laguna Woods via any gate, mention that you are here for the Memorial of Donald Martin to gain access.

Map: Clubhouse 1