Walter S Martin

PLATTSBURGH — Walter S. Martin, 86, husband of the late Winifred M. Martin, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019; which would have been their 61st wedding anniversary. Walter was born July 25, 1932 in Montreal, Canada to the late Shearly and Ivy Martin and was their only child.
Walter and his parents relocated to Plattsburgh in 1942 where they successfully owned and operated the Shoremont Motel for many years. After graduating from Plattsburgh High School in 1950, Walter attended Syracuse University via the ROTC program. Upon graduation, he received his commission in the US Air Force and served on active duty until 1957. Walter continued to serve his country in the Air National Guard, retiring as a Major in 1975. His professional life included time with General Dynamics Astronautics; Ayerst Laboratories in Rouses Point; the Decora Corporation in Fort Edward and Georgia-Pacific in Plattsburgh from which he retired in 1996.
An unselfish man, Walter gave of himself in every community the family resided. His public service included: several terms as village clerk/treasurer in Rouses Point; serving as an officer and leader in the Civil Air Patrol; involvement with the US Power Squadrons (a maritime safety organization), and active membership in multiple volunteer fire departments including; Rescue Hose 5; Rouses Point; Morrisonville; Queensbury Central and Hudson Falls where he served as Assistant Chief.
Walter was a rail fan, enjoying model railroading, rail excursions and chasing trains so he could photograph them. Many family memories were formed around his model train tables set up in the basements of the various homes he lived in. He was also studious of the Civil War appreciating the valuable leadership lessons it offers for generations to follow. He was fascinated with General Joshua Chamberlin for whom many stories were shared with his entire family. Numerous Civil War pictures of him were displayed throughout his residence. Walter was an enthusiastic alumnus of Syracuse University, spending many hours sitting by the television supporting and cheering on any and all sports played at the University.
Walter is survived by his three children; Marc (Barbara) Martin, Paul (Cassandra) Martin, and Julia (Paul) Gillman. He spent the last 13 years of his life living with his daughter and her husband. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Kristi (Whelden) Fish, Kasey Whelden, Hillary (Whelden) Kelly, Keith Martin, Amber (Martin) Hammond, Ethan Whelden, Brian Martin, Sarah Martin, one step-granddaughter Brittany Gillman and eighteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were his greatest source of joy and pride.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17 at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St in Plattsburgh with a celebration of his life to be held immediately following at the funeral home.
Interment will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Interfaith Food Shelf.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 1290 (518)-561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com