Robert Douglas Martella

Robert (Rob) Douglas Martella, 44, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2010 in Kingwood, Texas. He was born January 26, 1966 in Fortuna, CA.

Rob is survived by his wife of 19 ½ years, Kara Davis Martella, his two sons, Garrett Mathew, 14 and Gavin Douglas, 12; his father Robert Martella and his wife Ann Martella; his mother Kay Dunnegan and her husband Al Dunnegan; his sisters Dorice Miranda and husband Tim of Ferndale along with their children Felicia, Haily and Kyle; and sister Tracy Black and husband Rich of Fortuna and their children Conner and Kendall as well as numerous other family members. He is predeceased by grandparents Walter and Elsie Martella and Lester and Ferne Chopping.

A 1984 graduate of Ferndale Union High School, Rob received his AA degree from College of the Redwoods and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Chico State University. Rob was recruited immediately after college graduation by Chevron Corporation with whom he has been employed for 20+ years. He most recently worked as a financial analyst for their natural gas division in Houston, TX.

Rob was a lover of the outdoors. In addition to working in his yard, he took every opportunity to play outside; whether it was camping with family and friends or hanging out with his boys at “Uncle Tim’s” ranch in Ferndale. He was always planning the next adventure which would surely include golfing, bike riding, camping, skiing or hiking. Rob looked forward to coming home to CA every summer to quickly put on his barn boots and head to the ranch. His family looked forward to summertime, when Rob got home to give the most wonderful, warm hugs. His high school friends always knew that when Rob was back in Humboldt, they would get together for those late night card games, a few beers and lots of laughter. He was always interested in what was going on at home. “Who did what? What color did you paint it? What plants are you planting?” He was great at one-liners and had the ability to make everyone laugh. He loved HOT SAUCE and had a shelf full of his favorites. He loved his family and wanted the best for them including a beautiful, secure home life.

There are people in your life you encounter who make a difference in the way you choose to live yours, and Rob was one of them. Rob touched so many lives. This was evident at the Funeral services held on February 13, 2010 in Kingwood, Texas. A Celebration of Life will take place in Ferndale on March 13, 2010.