It was with great sadness that I read today's paper and discovered that Martin Strand passed away on August 14th in Anchorage.
Martin was as much a part of my SJC experience as anyone. I had been responsible for supervising Rasmuson when it reopened, and Martin was usually first in and last out most days. We'd whistle a bird call to each other in the street, and I always greeted Martin with the drawn out "Haaaaaaaaay" he was famous for. He'd come in and order his "usual" (apple cider) from the cafe and then hold court over a billiards table for hours on end. Students were schooled around a pool table with Martin, each break and subsequent shot another opportunity to listen and learn from a gifted poet, photographer, hunter, and lifelong learner.
We all have mourned the closure of SJ, but few people have been with the school for so long. Martin, like SJ was an institution that will be sorely missed.
Memorial services are being held on Thursday, August 21 5:30PM at the ANB Hall, and a Celebration Martin's life is being held at First Presbyterian Friday at 10:00AM.
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11 comments:
Well written Chris. I too will miss Martin. He was one heck of a guy!
It was fun playing pool with him. Seemed he was always there and ready.
Oh wow, he was like furniture at the Raz. Yes, he will be missed sorely. =(
I too will miss Martin, his humor, wit, and humanity.
Hello SJC Watchers.
I have sure benefited from the information and dialogue made possible
through this innovative site. Sometimes I laugh and sometimes, well, I just
feel downright perplexed and disgusted as the narrative continues.
However, I also have been inspired and refreshed by the tributes and
comments posted in memory of our good friend, Martin. My son, Ryan, passed
on a short tribute to Jerry Hope that I composed for the Alaska Native
Brotherhood's gathering today. I wanted to share it with you as we comfort
one another.
Diana and I and our kids are doing well. Should you find yourself in
California, or need an excuse to go, our address is 18 La Mesa Dr.,
Bakersfield, Ca, 93305. Our home phone is 661 348 4306.
Thanks for the creativity and labor that has gone into this forum. Often,
opinions and facts shared on the site spill over to conversation over
coffee in the morning. I guess there may be something to "virtual
fellowship" after all. Another post will highlight our tribute to Martin. Pat
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Brother Martin’s death. I was looking forward to fishing and visiting with him, along with all of you, next summer. Martin Strand was such a kind, good man. I composed a paragraph or two of tribute, perhaps for my own sake, but, if it can be of any benefit to our broader community, please share at your discretion. I would appreciate your passing this along to Marcia when you get a chance. My heart and mind is with her and all the ANB.
Martin Strand was friendly, interesting and wise. He was quick to make people feel comfortable and he often used his humor and hobbies to provide gentle advice and care. He made people feel that they were valuable. Martin was perhaps the most fascinating personality I have ever related to. But, I have wondered if his antics were, in a way, a mask of sorts. The more I came to know Martin, the more I began to appreciate the tradition of respecting wise Elders. His insights were keen and he knew so many people by name and through their history. He was exceptional, but wanted very much to fit in and be helpful.
Martin told me that his purpose in life was two fold: to watch and to support. His legacy will help us to remember, to serve and to have a little fun along the way. But for now, our hearts are heavy.
Good bye dear friend.
Brother Pat Sheahan
The world is a little worse off for the loss of Martin. For those who knew him, the sorrow is deep. For those who didn't have the opportunity to experience this amazing soul, your loss is much greater.
I will miss you, Martin.
Martin could make anyone smile, no matter what type of day they were having!
If anyone who reads this had the privilege of going to any of the Martin Strand memorial services, could you please share about it, for those of us "lower 48ers" who couldn't make it? Thanks.
Hey, Thanks guys! I miss my Father terribly...I like hearing about him and his interactions with everyone..he was the most unique person I knew...he always said he didn't want to be remembered as being boring...
I started my own blog site...I am my Father's daughter. Enjoy the photos I have posted there, they are a public property, so use them as you would your own family's photos...My Sitka Family!!
One of the things my Father wanted me to learn was small talk.
Some advice in remembrance of him:
Do something new and enjoy the awkwardness.
Sara (Strand) Brooks
http://seaweed-at-low-tide.blogspot.com/
Yes, I will miss Martin too. I knew him since I began attending SJC back in 1974-76.
Only just recently, I finally got acquainted with him and I found him very accepting man. He made me feel confortable and special.
The last time I saw and visited with him was on top of Castle Hill last July. He took a picture of me standing by one of the cannons.
I was so sad when I first heard about his death from friends while I was sitting in McDonalds in Juneau last August.
I'm sorry I couldn't make the services.
My condolences to the family.
Rest in peace, Martin.
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