Duane Martin

Duane P. Martin's journey with us ended May 13, 2005, in Tucson, Ariz. He fought a courageous seven-year battle following a bone marrow transplant and numerous surgeries and setbacks.

He was a man whose devotion to his family and friends was marked by gentle strength, character, and integrity. He also possessed a special sense of humor and a quiet charisma. Through his love for life, his unwavering sense of direction and down-to-earth wisdom, he was a wonderful example to all of us who had the honor to know him and love him.

Duane was born Nov. 16, 1941, in Bismarck, N.D., to Pius and Louella Martin. At the age of four, his family moved to Ronan. Duane graduated from Ronan High School, where he forged many life-long friendships. He served in the National Guard, attended the University of Montana and then spent most of his career in the finance industry.

He finally found his soul mate, Pam Roberson, and married her Aug. 23, 1985, in Kalispell.

Duane was preceded in death by his father, Pius J. Martin.

He is survived by his mother Louella Brechbil, of Burnsville, Minn.; his wife Pam Martin, of Tucson, Ariz.; his daughter Audra Fletcher (Martin), of Spokane, Wash.; his son Jeremiah Roberson, of Maplewood, Minn.; two grandchildren, Baylie and Colton Fletcher, of Spokane; one brother, Dennis Martin, and his wife Cathy, of Kirkland, Wash.; three sisters, Darlene Bortel and her husband, Mike, of Apple Valley, Minn., Diane Mason and Mike Kangas, of Apple Valley, and Sharon Brown and her husband Steve, of Helena; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for Duane Martin were held May 20, 2005, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Ronan with his uncle, Pastor Jerry Klaudt, officiating. Grave side services were held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joe Mills, of Austin, Texas, for his compassion and expert care of Duane for the first five years following his transplant.

Memorials may be made to the National Bone Marrow Registry or to the Leukemia Society.