Ronald O’Dowda Martin passed away on December 7th, 2020 at the age of 85 in Walnut Creek, CA. Despite the medical challenges that Ron faced in recent years, he came out as a hero and stayed strong until the end, always insisting on his independence and maintaining his “I can do it” attitude.

Ron grew up in Chicago, interested in athletics, and became an all-star soccer player. He went to Miami University of Ohio where he met his best friend Jim “Gobey” Young, who married Ron’s sister Marilyn. After college, Ron lived in Chicago where he met and married Kathryn “Bunny” Stewart. They were transferred to San Francisco by Ron’s employer, Crown Zellerbach.

Ron and Bunny had 3 sons, Ron, Dale, and Kirk. He was active as a coach to their sports teams including baseball and soccer and was a mentor to many of their friends. Bunny and Ron separated but remained friends and close parents to their children.

Ron later met the love of his life, Marilyn Miller, while playing tennis at the University of California Lair of the Bear camp. They went to the Lair for many years, making friends that are still a part of their lives. They married in 1999 and bought a home in Moraga. Ron continued to be a big Cal fan, attending games and (more importantly) tailgate parties. Ron was a good bridge player and he and Marilyn enjoyed bridge together.

Ron and Marilyn loved to travel. A favorite destination was Copper Harbor, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Ron had vacationed there as a child, and it became a family reunion spot for many summers.

Ron had a great smile and the ability to get others smiling too. His memory will be treasured by his family and many friends. Ron is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Ron, Dale, and Kirk, and his sister Marilyn Young.