Celebrating the Life of Dan Martin

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Lee Martin, who went to be with the Lord on Sept. 3, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on Oct. 11, 1954, in San Francisco, California, to Marion and Jeanie Martin.

Dan wrestled and graduated from South Umpqua High School in 1972. After graduation, Dan went to work for Huffman and Wright Logging, where he worked for 14 years. During that time, he married Mary (his first wife) and they had a son, Jeremy Lee Martin. In 1981, Dan married Denise (Martin), and they welcomed their son, Christopher Ray Martin, in 1983. Then, together in 1983, Dan and Denise took a leap of faith and started their business called Martin/Schuyler Logging, later changing to Independent Thinning Inc. Along with welcoming their second child, Denay Michelle Martin.

Dan was a loving husband, a supportive father, an entrepreneur, full of laughter and fun, giving, and always willing to help however he could. Always making sure people were taken care of. Dan loved his family very much. He loved camping at Loon Lake, where he enjoyed barefoot skiing and pulling everyone on the tubes. He had a passion for cars: collecting, restoring, and going fast. He enjoyed driving and showing his cars at graffiti weekends throughout the years. He loved Jesus and was involved with the church as well.

In addition to his family, Dan was a dedicated professional in the timber industry. At his peak in the 90s, he ran 10 sides and loved being out in the woods. He was an innovator and a pioneer for the thinning/cut-to-length side of the timber industry. Tragedy struck in 2005 when Dan was diagnosed with throat cancer. Surrounded by family and friends from Garden Valley Christian Assembly, they weathered the storm, and Dan beat the cancer. Again in 2015, the cancer returned, but Dan fought again. In 2017, Dan could no longer run his business and was forced to retire.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Jeanie Martin. His brother Patrick Martin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Denise Martin; his sisters Karen (Earl) Phillips; his sister, Shannon (Ronald) Simpson; his sister Kristina Tracer; his children, Jeremy Martin, Chris (Lesley) Martin and Denay (Hank) Mast; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Connor and Autzen Martin; Jakelynn (Hermann), Henry and
Hazel Mast; Andy Helmer, and many nieces and nephews whom were all loved. A celebration of Dan's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2025, at Garden Valley Christian Assembly. Following the celebration, there will be an informal potluck, with further details to follow.

In this time of sorrow, let us celebrate Dan for the love he shared, the laughter he brought, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.