Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother, Roy John Marti Jr. passed away on Oct. 9, 2008 in Seattle at the age of 73. His wisdom, kindness, strength and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Roy was born in Seattle on Aug. 8, 1935 and raised near the shores of Lake Washington, where he spent countless summer hours swimming and earning his nickname, Taddy.
He graduated from Seattle Prep and then spent a year at Seattle University before deciding to join the Army. He spent two years serving the armed forces at Presidio, followed on by four years in the reserves. After the Army he joined the carpenters union and learned his first trade. During this time he met his future wife and soul mate of 48 years, Judy Roberts.
Together, the two began a family. Roy also decided to switch from carpentry to plumbing.
In 1974 the city life proved too small for his growing family of seven children so he packed up and moved to the rural Whidbey Island. Once there, he started his own plumbing business, Marti Mechanical. The country proved to be fertile, both with land in which he loved to garden and raise animals and in life in which led him to have three more children.
After years of nurturing his family and business, he sold his last water gasket and the business. He converted his plumbing van into the Marti-Mobile and moved on as a handyman at a convent in Bellevue. He finished his career near home at the Coupeville School District.
After retiring he spent his much deserved free time with his children and grand children, tending to his garden, raising animals, taking rides through town, and just plain reveling in the joys of being the man who, with the help of his wife, created such a beautiful life and family.
Roy is survived by his wife Judy Marti; children Roy J. Marti III and wife Kelly, Chris Marti and wife Brenda, Rick Marti and wife Lisa, Rose Tyhuis and husband Doug, Judy Marti and Jenene, Mike Marti, Frank Marti and wife Christi, Bill Marti and wife Sarah, Jim Marti, Tony Marti and wife Alees; grandchildren Jessica Marti, Judith Marti, Dawn Marti, Jonathan Marti, Emily Marti, Ryan Marti, Brent Tyhuis, Tad Tyhuis, Sarah Tyhuis, Katie Marti, Hailey Marti, Dane Marti; great-grandchild Andrea Marti; siblings Maryann Sauvage and husband Lester, Scoots Doggett and husband Bob, Sister Roseanna Marti, Floss Campbell and husband Ken Campbell, Bill Marti and wife Kit.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Nov. 1, with the time and date to be announced. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
