Richard Lewis "Dick" Martin, Sr., Maj., USAF (Ret.)

November 27, 1927 - November 20, 2010

Richard Lewis "Dick" Martin, Sr., Maj., USAF (Ret.) Obituary (Age 82) Dick?s life journey ended quietly at his beloved Spokane home on November 20, with his wife of 24 years, Jackie, daughters Pam and Brenda, and grandson, Ricky, nearby. Dick was born in Port Richmond (Staten Island), NY, on November 27, 1927, to Lewis G. and Eunice (Hotaling) Martin. He matriculated to Virginia Military Institute (VMI) from The Bordentown Military Institute, a boys? boarding school in New Jersey. He graduated from VMI in the class of 1950A with a Bachelor?s of Science degree in electrical engineering, having competed all four years on the varsity swim team and having become a Virginia State diving champion. His graduation from VMI coincided with the outbreak of the Korean War, and he decided to go on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. During his twenty years of service he became a decorated multi-engine pilot and commander and flew in both Korea and Vietnam. His numerous decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his flights delivering cargo and supplies to battlefields in Vietnam. Due to his Air Force service, Dick lived and traveled throughout the U.S. and the world, his active duty stations including Texas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., England, and Fairchild Air Force Base outside Spokane, WA. Spokane became his and his family?s permanent home following his retirement in August 1970. He had married Jo-Anne Murfee in 1955, and in addition to her two daughters, Pamala and Brenda, from a previous marriage, she and Dick added a son, Richard Lewis, Jr., that same year. In Spokane Dick took on a second career as a pharmaceutical representative for Schering-Plough and made many long-lasting friendships among his clients. His open, outgoing personality and ready smile are remembered fondly by all who knew him. Dick lived an active life with a love of the outdoors, enjoying sailing, snow skiing, and (in much younger days) water skiing. Until his 80th birthday he was a member of the Schweitzer Mountain Primetimers Club, and his love of travel never left him, as he and his second wife, Jackie, became active members of WBCCI, an Airstream trailer owners club. For years the two, along with his beloved bichon frise dogs Champagne and Angel, spent several months each year traveling around the U.S. and Canada, visiting friends and relatives and seeing the sights. At one point Dick served as president of the WBCCI?s Inland Northwest chapter. He was also a member of the Manito Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Washington, the 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite Masonry, and St. Stephen?s Episcopal Church, where he was also a member of the Glastonbury Society. Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Jo-Anne; their son, Richard L., Jr.; and his sister, Elaine Martin Brady. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, at home; daughter Pamala Martin of Chattaroy, WA; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Ronald Emert of Medical Lake, WA; grandson Richard L. Martin III of Spokane; stepson Paul Grunwald, his wife, Susan, and their daughters Hannah and Grace (Albuquerque, NM); stepson Eric Grunwald (Boston, MA); nephews John Richards (PA), Thomas Richards (NJ), David Richards (NJ) and their spouses; several great nephews and nieces and their spouses; and several great-great nieces and nephews?all of whom Dick was very fond and proud. Memorial Service at St. Stephen?s Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry, Spokane, Saturday, December 4, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception in the Parish Hall to follow In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick?s name to Shriner?s Hospital, St. Stephen?s Episcopal Church, or Hospice of Spokane are gratefully welcomed.