Obituary of Jerry Raty Martin
. Jerry Raty Martin
January 23, 1933 – April 18, 2015
. Devoted son, brother, friend, husband, father and physician
Jerry was born the second of Robert William Martin and Mary Muriel Raty (Pedretti) Martin. He joined a family of one brother (Robert Charles) and two sisters (Mary Elizabeth & Carol Janet Martin Schley).
Logan, Utah was the “stomping ground” where Jerry developed a love and respect for family, friends, teachers, classmates, colleagues and co-workers. He also embraced a passionate relationship with nature and sports.
Leadership responsibilities followed, including serving as Student Body President (Logan Jr. High), Senior Class President (Logan High) and Jr. Class President at the University of Utah College of Medicine.
Jerry’s love, respect, and leadership led him to be called on a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Hawaii). He considered himself honored to interact with the people of “Aloha Land”. Elder Martin cherished his call. He served as District President on the island of Molokai and felt blessed by special friendships with those in the leper settlement (Kalaupapa).
Upon returning to the mainland he met his “forever sweetheart”, Beverly Jeffs, while students at Utah State University. They were sealed in the Logan Temple January 4th, 1957.
Jerry pursued his love of learning, graduating from USU & the University of Utah College of Medicine. Soon after, he served as a physician in the U.S. Army; assigned to Tripler General Hospital (Hawaii), Fort Hood (Texas) and Fort Polk (Louisiana).
Jerry and Beverly were blessed with three children- Tamera Anne, Paige Marie & James Robert.
Following military service, the Martins settled in American Fork, UT. As always, Dr. Martin went right to work. He co-founded the original A.F. Clinic and served as President of the American Fork Hospital Medical Staff. True to his creative genius, Dr. Martin assisted in establishing the first full-time A.F. Hospital Emergency Department. This vital infrastructure supported the opportunity for growth in A.F. and the surrounding community. Further support for the community was given as he helped establish North Utah County E.M.T. Service and served as a member of the State E.M.T. Advisory Committee. Dr. Martin was one of the first to become Board Certified in both Family Practice and Emergency Medicine.
Ever faithful, Jerry served loyally in numerous LDS Church callings. One highlight was serving the Young Single Adults with Beverly. He loved the youth. They felt it. Coach Martin furthered his relationship with youth coaching Bantam basketball. In addition, for many seasons Doc Martin would be found on the sidelines of American Fork High School athletic events; volunteering as team physician.
Dear son, brother, friend, husband, father and physician… Through your constant selfless service, your inborn optimism & sense of humor, you have lifted all of us. Thank you for leaving a legacy of love, service and happiness. Jerry’s legacy is survived by his wife, sister (Carol), brother-in-law (Roger Jeffs), three children, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren (and one of the way!).
ALOHA NUI
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Mahogany Stake Center, 1548 North 900 West, Pleasant Grove, UT. Viewings will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork (due to construction, please use 150 North) and Saturday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the stake center prior to services. Internment at the American Fork Cemetery. Please share a memory at andersonmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers Doc Martin requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels (Mountainland Senior Care- 586 East 800 North, Orem, Utah 84097) or the LDS Humanitarian Fund.