David MARTIN Obituary

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Those of us from the Taramakau Settlement have very fond memories of David and Margaret.
I recall our very special school trip to Christchurch. We were billeted with students from Middleton Grange School where Margaret taught, and at the end of the trip, David and Margaret announced their engagement. After their marriage, Margaret coming to live in our isolated valley was a big deal to me... I still recall the surprise on Margaret's face when I presented her with a crocheted pram cover I had secretly made... but how did you know? she asked. Margaret took me to bible class in Kumara after school, and I was able to join a bible class camp she organised. When they left the district we kept in contact for many years, some of the older boys may remember me coming to spend a weekend with the family at Mayfield when I was at teachers college... and David and Margaret came to our wedding... and years later they visited with the boys when Ken and I were building our first home. I am very disappointed we lost contact. If any of you boys are ever passing through Greymouth with your wives or families do look us up... Ken and Judith Mears in the phone directory! I think David would have taken this photo of his students- the largest roll for many years!

As David´s younger cousin, I grew up on the same family farm at Tahakopa in the Catlins where our respective fathers had also grown up. We were fortunate to live in a place where the wider Martin family made regular pilgrimages, together with their own families, to holiday at the farm. It was at one of those holidays that I first met David, when I was still a child. I have an enduring childhood memory of David when he, as a strapping young 21 year old ( 6foot plus), challenged my father Philip, aged about 45, to a wrestling match on the lawn. Although Dad was a lot shorter (about 5 foot 9 inches), he was also very wiry, quicker, more mature and stronger which resulted in Dad winning on that occasion. This was all very exciting to a proud 12 year old son (me).
I have some memory also of David gashing his foot on the spinning blades of our motor mower, whilst mowing our lawn. This resulted in a trip to the doctor in Owaka. As an adult, I enjoyed collaborating with David on family tree matters, of which we shared a passionate interest.
On an even more personal level, David was a great inspiration to me - as a fellow historian and a fellow christian. David´s devotion to his beloved wife Margaret showed me and others what true christian marriage is all about.
We are sorry we cannot be with you in person due to medical issues of our own at this time.
To all the Martin family, please accept our deepest condolences.
Love from Grant and Margaret Martin, Dunedin.

I worked with David 15 years ago at Halswell Baptist Church. What a lovely, caring gentle soul. He will be sadly missed by all, but He will be celebrating with Margaret in the heavenlies. Love and hugs to the family at this time.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of David. He was a true gentleman that served our community well when he was living in Edendale.
Denise and John Fodie and family.

Our thoughts & prayers are with all the family at this time. Blessings Paul & Dale (Williamson)