Obituary: Ken Martin 1942-2017

Ken Martin 1942-2017

Ken Martin of Port Angeles, a Vietnam veteran and former railroad engineer who worked in public schools administrative services, died at home August 17, 2017 from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease, in the company of his wife, Sandra Sedergren Martin, and many caregivers. He was 75.

Kenneth Francis Martin was born to Kenneth George and Charlotte Ford Martin on January 28, 1942, in Watsonville, California. The Martins were a pioneering family there in the Pajaro Valley.

He attended Notre Dame Academy and graduated at Watsonville High School in 1960. He went on to study at Cabrillo College nearby, and worked summers waiting tables at Camp Currey in Yosemite National Park. There he met a lifeguard, Sandy Sedergren, a Port Angeles High School graduate. She recalled how he wooed her with French fries.

Forty-nine years ago, Sandy and Ken married in March 1968 at Queen of Angels in Port Angeles after he completed his Army tour of duty. He was then employed full-time as an engineer for the Great Northern Railroad.

Sandy became a first-grade school teacher. Ken returned to college at Shoreline Community College and later studied at the University of Washington. In 1985, he went to work in administrative services with the Shoreline School District. He retired in 2008.

Ken enjoyed hiking, especially at Mt. Rainier National Park, as well as gardening and fishing. The Martins frequently visited Rainier and Yosemite, and Ken climbed Half Dome to celebrate turning 40 and hiked Dege Peak at Rainier when he turned 50.

The Martins made numerous trips to Hawaii, Alaska and the East Coast for outdoor experiences, as well as San Diego to watch the Washington Huskies play in Holiday Bowl football games.

In retirement, they moved to Port Angeles.

In addition to his wife, Ken Martin is survived by his brother, John William, and sister-in-law Dee Dee of San Francisco, and two nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 E. 8th St., Port Angeles, or the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, P.O. Box 623, Watsonville, CA 95076.