Howard Martin

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Oregon

A dear relative to us all in Yorkshire, England. Ey up Boss. Rest in peace.

Thanks to Dean Howard Martin for his special work with Adult Students and opportunities. Special wishes! Pat Fessenden & so many adult students

Big H. I will miss our weekly talks and feel at a loss for all the times we were unable to visit. RIP, will always love you. Your brother Keith

Tribute to my brother, Howard Martin (26-05-1942 to 29-09-2025) Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. In recent years, his general health had become significantly compromised and after the unexpected illness and sad loss of his wife Cathie early in August of this year he no longer wished for his life to continue. A few days before he died, he expressed getting old sucked and one sensed he was ready to call it a day. He was born in Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, the son of Clifford and Ellen Martin and the older brother to Keith, Jackie, and Janet. Our family upbringing was set in a war and post-war working-class environment and the family lived simply and frugally, as did many families in UK during those years when rationing of food, cloth, and fuel was enforced. Rationing continued until Howard’s 13th year, and he often commented on the joy he experienced on the first taste of bananas when they became available for sale on the market stall. Our parents encouraged us to be conscientious about our schooling and learning and Howard enjoyed his school life and as an assistant teacher before beginning Durham university (Bede College). He was a popular schoolboy and was considered a talented student. He enjoyed learning and chose German as a language to study for O levels, which surprised everyone as it was not considered a popular choice immediately after the war. His love of languages grew from that moment resulting in his Ph.D. qualification from Madison University, Wisconsin involving the translation of antique Icelandic Documents. Howard loved to travel in UK and abroad and this was encouraged by his father who never learnt to drive but travelled the length and breadth of UK using railways and public transport. Fortunately, Howard and Cathie had the opportunities to travel extensively and had many memorable experiences. Howard was very revered and loved by his UK family and relatives, especially his devoted mom. Her first-born child held a special place in her heart, and she struggled the most accepting his move to the USA and his American wife. Cathie and Howard were exceedingly kind to mom and in her later life the highlights of her years were the visits from Cathie with a few of her girlfriends. When they bought their home in Tickhill our Auntie Dorie and Uncle George were delighted as they were also residents in the village and could see more of Howard and Cathie as well as their children. Howard and Uncle George enjoyed meeting up in the Royal Oak for a couple of pints and talking together putting the world to rights. Auntie Dorie thought Howard was a very handsome young man always well turned out in his collar and tie and smart jacket and slacks. She did not realise this was courtesy of his oldest sister who devotedly would press his slacks and iron a clean shirt before he went out to meet his mates. Auntie Dorie did not like the more casual dress code emerging in recent years and often reminisced about the smart handsome young man Howard was. All the family highly respected Howard’s achievements and his cheeky sense of humour, his kindness, compassion, and his humility. I personally will miss our regular chats on Facetime when we got to talk about world affairs, catch up on family news and our grandchildren. He was a good friend to us and throughout my life was always supportive, able to give sound advice, and share his insights and wisdom. As a dedicated educator, lecturer, and mentor Howard inspired countless students and colleagues with his wisdom, clever insights, and passion for learning. His contributions to the academic community were invaluable and his legacy will live on through those he touched. He leaves behind cherished memories and a profound impact on all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this sad time. “Death keeps no calendar. Rest well our lad from Balby” (English saying) Jackie & Ian Staniforth