Timothy James Martin

January 8, 1948 - December 13, 2023

A native son of San Bernardino, Tim was born to Ernest Martin and Alphea Barnum Martin, and attended local schools, Holy Rosary and San Bernardino High School, class of 1965. He attended and graduated from the University of California at Riverside. There he studied political science and earned his teaching credential. Later he earned a Masters of Education at the University of Redlands. Tim made his career as a teacher and school administrator in the San Bernardino Unified School District for thirty-nine years. One highlight of his innovative service was to bring “Opera by Children” to the schools.

Tim’s life was the epitome of service to others. He lived the Biblical passage to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Tim was a member of the San Bernardino First Congregation Church, UCC, where he sang in the choir and served as moderator, and other church offices. When asked to do anything for the church, Tim’s answer was always – ‘yes’. For many years Tim relished being a “beleaguered” participant in the Assistance League of San Bernardino’s Headdress Ball presentations. Tim’s service to the greater community also included president of the Board for the United Way of San Bernardino. He rose to leadership roles in many organizations. One organization most dear to his heart was Rotary Club of San Bernardino. Where he served as president, and other offices for many years. He enjoyed being part of “Rotary Life” as an advisor to high school students.

He loved music and the arts, and was president of the San Bernardino Symphony Board. He served as the president of the Fullerton Art Museum Board, of California State University at San Bernardino.

After retirement, Tim and Loretta moved to Palm Desert, where they embraced the community of The Oasis Country Club. For ten years Tim enjoyed the beautiful golf course in their backyard, and continued his service in his new community. They joined the fellowship Bloom in the Desert, UCC. He served as President of the Board of Tools for Tomorrow, an arts program for underserved children. He continued in Rotary activities in the Palm Desert and La Quinta Clubs. Tim joined the Associates, a scholarship program for students of the Palm Desert Campus of CSUSB.

Tim’s intelligence, warm and engaging personality, extensive knowledge, boundless energy and enthusiasm for life and the arts made him a magnet. He had huge networks of acquaintances and close, loving ties to countless friends. He was a devoted husband and father.

On July 11, 1970 he was married to Loretta Sharon Acord. He is survived by his loving wife, his son, Andrew David Martin, (wife Shelly), of Aurora, Colorado and his daughter, Elizabeth Martin McAuliff, (husband Dave) of Seattle, Washington. Tim leaves his brother, Peter Michael Martin, of Sausalito, California, and his daughters, Lisa Langley and Danusha Lameris. He adored his three beautiful granddaughters, Sophia, Molly and Talula.

The family extends their gratitude to the doctors and caregivers in Palm Desert.

Services will be announced for a date in January 2024.