Another Sad Farewell...

David Martin (1945 - 2014)

I wish that all of you could have known our friend, David Martin.

When I began dating Handsome in 1981, David was the first of his 

friends that I met. They were very close, traveling for MercMarine all 

over the country together. Handsome was a staff photographer for the 

company and David became his go-to boat driver. They traveled coast 

to coast - north, south, east and west - producing images that were used

in company catalogs, calendars, and as dealer tools. They were the best.

They were the legendary "L & M Photo Team".

David • 1989

When I met him, I understood how the guys became such good friends. 

We immediately hit it off and I was glad to have a new friend in David. 

Then we decided to move to Florida, and we chose the Sarasota area because

 this is where David lived. We spent many memorable, fun days together. I
was fortunate to be able to sit in the room when the guys talked about
 people they'd met, shared experiences or plotting their next excursion.

He started dating Laura about fourteen years ago, and when we met her we

knew he had found "the one". She completed him and they were so happy.

David and Laura's Wedding Day • 2004

David and Laura chose a date and we proudly witnessed their vows.

They were married on Valentine's Day and it was a beautiful ceremony.

This year would have been their tenth anniversary.

2014

 David was a graceful and gracious man and when they learned last July

that he had end-stage renal cancer, he faced the news with strength

and poise. He was strong for Laura, their family and their friends.

David lost his fight yesterday morning with his wife at his side.

He stayed as long as he could, but we all believe that God needed

to call him home. He left with the same grace that he lived his life.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Laura; three stepchildren; three grand-

children; and his mother. We are among many friends who will deeply

feel his absence as we go about our lives, but he can rest in Jesus' arms

  knowing that my husband and I will be here to support and comfort his wife. 

"Goodbye" is so hard. "Good night" is easier.
Good night, dear friend. Until we meet again.