Obituary of Kenneth H Martin

Kenneth H. Martin, 86, of University Place, WA, passed away suddenly on May 2, 2022.

Ken was born in Tacoma, Washington and was the only child of the late Vivian (Birnel) and Howard Martin.

Ken graduated from Stadium High School in 1954 and spent a year at Central Washington University before joining the Army in 1955. Ken spent many years in the grocery industry, mainly working at various Safeway stores. He spent a short time working at Pepsi before moving on to Western Beer Distributors and retiring after 30+ years as the General Manager.

Ken was an avid baseball player and played on many baseball and softball teams around Pierce County throughout his lifetime. He lettered in baseball and football in high school and was offended until his final days that he was voted best dancer.

Those who knew Ken, knew him for his great laugh and his funny sense of humor, although he could not tell a joke without giving away the punchline. He had a special way with the English language, we called them Martinisms and they will live on through his children and grandchildren forever. (Websters here we come).

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Karen. In addition to his wife Karen, Ken is survived by his daughters Victoria Nakamichi of Federal Way (Glen) and Cynthia Strahl of Maple Valley (Brandon). Ken is also survived by four grandchildren, Breanne Fitzsimmons (Adam), Michael Strahl (Alissa), Amanda Yakabi (Koya) and Alexis Strahl.

The family will hold a private internment with a memorial to be held at a later date.

Family was the most important thing to him, and he loved us all as much as we loved him. We will miss him every day.