Duane P. Martin

| May 25, 2005 12:00 AM

RONAN — Duane P. Martin, 63, died May 13, 2005, in Tucson, Ariz. He had 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.

He 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 lifelong 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 on Aug. 23, 1985, in Kalispell.

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

He is survived by his mother, Louella Brechbill of Burnsville, Minn.; his wife, Pam Martin of Tucson; his daughter, Audra Fletcher (Martin) of Spokane; 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 Helen; survived by nieces and nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for Duane Martin were held May 20 at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Ronan. His uncle, Pastor Jerry Klaudt, officiated. Graveside services were held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan.

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

The family extends 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.