Rick Martin

-Rick Grant Martin peacefully passed away at home, Sunday morning, Oct. 27, 2013. He was born to Grant and Barbara (Jessop) Martin, March 19th, 1950. He adored his parents and his sister Torri (Martin) Matich. He and his sister had a wonderful childhood growing up together in Salt Lake City chasing frogs and finding snakes in the neighborhood pond. Rick was an all-star athlete in basketball, football and track at Granite High School. His dad, Coach Grant Martin, coached at East High School and was Rick's best friend and personal coach. Rick graduated in 1968 with a basketball scholarship to the University of Utah. In later years, Rick excelled at golf and loved playing the game with his friends and family. Rick married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Shawna (Wiscomb) Martin, in June of 1969. Rick and Shawna shared a wonderful marriage of 44 years. They enjoyed traveling and golfing together. It has always been Rick and Shawna forever. Together they have three beautiful children Eric (Kari) Martin, Jake (Hollie Krueger) Martin, and Candice Martin; and three grandchildren, Whitney, Taylor, and Luke Martin who were the light of his life. Rick was a true family man and loved his wife, kids and grandkids with all his heart. " Papa" was always for anything his kids and grandkids were doing, good jokes, good food, and a good card game of 'swiss'.Rick retired from Qwest (CenturyLink) after 30 years. He helped with the success of the winter Olympics in 2002 in managing world broadcasters for the games. Rick suffered a long battle with kidney disease. He was a true warrior and taught all who knew him the power and strength of optimism even up to the very end. Rick had a vast knowledge of everything and loved to share it with all who met him. He was charming, funny, and the one everyone wanted to be near at a party. He was a great story-teller. He was an every man's man; athletic, tall, smart, good-looking with an extraordinary sense of humor. We will forever miss Rick and hold him very close to our hearts. There will be a graveside service for his family and close friends at Wasatch Lawn Memorial (3401 South Highland Drive, SLC), Friday, Nov. 1, at 11:30. Prior to Memorial Services close family and friends may visit at 10:30. Rick's family would like to thank the kindness of the dialysis and hospice team for their help to keep Rick comfortable in his last few months.