Thomas Austin Martin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully passed away Thursday, October 24, 1996 at his home of brain cancer.
Tom was born on August 19, 1944, the son of I. Elaine Erickson Martin and the late Thomas Paxman Martin. He grew up in Sunnyside, WA. After graduation he served as a missionary in England for two years.On August 22, 1967, Tom and Kay Ann Bowers were married in the Salt Lake Temple, and they both graduated from BYU in 1968. Tom received his Master of Public Administration degree from Wayne State University in 1974. Most of their married life was spent in Michigan, where Tom worked as Assistant City Manager in Royal Oak and City Manager in Huntington Woods and Mt. Pleasant.
In 1990 the family moved to Provo where Tom accepted the position of Chief Administrative Officer of Provo City.
They were blessed with three wonderful children: Thomas Scott of Logan; Julia Ann Martin Nielson and husband, Craig of Provo; and Brian James Martin of Provo. Austin Lynn Nielson was Tom's special little grandson.
Tom always loved scouting and was proud to have earned his Eagle Scout Award. Among his many positions in the LDS Church, his favorites were working with the youth. Helping others as a bishop or friend, was always in his "mental planner." His desire to listen and respect others' ideas helped him in his city manager positions in Michigan and Provo.
One of Tom's greatest desires was to run in a marathon and he accomplished this in the St. George, Utah Marathon one month before the discovery of his illness.
Besides his wife, children and grandson, Tom is survived by his mother; brother, Gary Martin and wife, Kathryn of Sunnyside, WA.; sister, Beverley Shepherd and husband, John of Woodburn, OR.; and sister, Judy Hendricks and husband, Lynn of Kennewick, WA.; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his father.
A viewing will be held at the Berg Mortuary in Provo, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, October 27th, an a funeral service will be Monday, Oct 28th, 11 a.m. at the North Edgemont Stake Center, Provo.
The family wishes to thank the IHC Home Care staff and Dr. Tudor for their support.
Tom, you were a special light in our lives. We will miss you.
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