Robert Wesley Martin

Robert Wesley “Tink” Martin, 101, passed away January 21, 2024 in his home in Centralia, WA. He was born in Morton, WA on August 10, 1922, the seventh child of Robert and Elva Martin in Glenoma, WA. He attended the University of Washington and worked as a mechanical and civil engineer primarily in Alaska and Washington. His specialty was arctic construction and was instrumental in the building of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and oil exploration islands in the Beaufort Sea. He retired with his wife “Meg” in 1986 and established a home in Chehalis, later moving to Stillwaters Estates in Centralia.

Tink met Margaret Meyer in Petersburg, Alaska in 1946, following his service in the US Navy during WWII. They were married in 1947 and raised two sons, Bob, born in 1948, and Terry, born in 1949.

Tink’s great joys in life were family, traveling the US with Meg in their RV, and tackling life’s challenges. He was an outdoorsmen, inventor (holding multiple patents), and devoted husband and father. His quiet whit and numerous stories are still cherished by many.

Tink is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Meg, and his son Bob. He is survived by brother Tom Martin or Olympia; son and daughter-in-law Terry and Judy Martin of Centralia; grandson and spouse Tanner and Stephanie Martin of Eagle Point, OR; granddaughter and spouse Cami and Tim Gotshall of Conifer, CO; and granddaughter Cayce Martin of Spokane.

A family graveside funeral service will be held this spring at Claquato Cemetery.