Leonard G. Martin, Jr., age 77, died at his home in Oak Harbor on Aug. 11, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 2, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kan., to Leonard and Hazel Martin. Upon graduating from high school in 1954 in Hutchinson, Kan., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed boot camp at Great Lakes, Mich., and was then trained as a Navy photographer.
His military career sent him to Okinawa, Japan, El Centro, Calif., Pensacola, Fla., the Philippines, Syracuse, N.Y., Honolulu, Hawaii, San Diego, Calif., and in 1971, to Whidbey Island. While stationed in the Philippines, he met his future wife, Aurora Balagat, and on Dec. 8, 1962, they were married in Cavite City, Philippines. Leonard retired from the Navy in 1974 with more than 20 years of service.
Following retirement, Leonard operated Martin’s photography studio in the Chimes Building on Midway Boulevard. He also became an activist for Disabled American Veterans, working to establish the first DAV office in Oak Harbor, constructing ramps for disabled vets, setting up phone booths for the disabled and arranging for transportation of vets to the VA Hospital in Seattle. He, himself, became a recipient of transportation to the VA hospital on many occasions.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Aurora, of 50 years; three children: Mary M. Martin, Scott and Wendy Martin and John and Teresa Martin’ and by five grandchildren, Gregory, Jaclyn, Jamie, Cole and Kaylee Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Glen.
Funeral services for Leonard Martin will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, with Pastor Ozell Jackson officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences in the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com