Richard J. "Jerry" Martin, 82, a longtime resident of the Wenatchee Valley, passed away January 1, 2010, at his East Wenatchee home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 1, 1927, at Ladysmith, WI, to Prentice and Nellie (Strop) Martin, where he spent his youth and completed his education. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. On February 21, 1948, he married Gloria Bomford in Wenatchee, WA. He began his working career with the Great Northern Railroad in Wenatchee and later joined Safeway Stores Inc. During his career with Safeway, he served as the Store Manager in Leavenworth and Cashmere. In 1975, he purchased an orchard in East Wenatchee, which he continued to successfully operate until his passing. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to various horse racing tracks on the west coast, numerous vacation trips to Mexico and spending winters at their condominium in Laughlin, NV. Jerry was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years; and one grandson. He is survived by his children, Ken Martin (Cathy) of Wenatchee, Laurel Blaisdell (Brent) of Puyallup and Allan Martin (Sue) of Olympia. He is also survived by his sisters, Jean Ann Shamley and Pat Fisher, both of Wenatchee; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His extended family of friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and their spouses, were all very important to Jerry.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers, who assisted in caring for our father the past several months.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee, with the Rev. Clarence "Mick" Marquardt officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 5, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, January 6, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Please sign in or leave a memory for the family online by visiting www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.