Michael "Mike" R. Martin

December 24, 1968 - October 18, 2020

On October 18, 2020, the world lost Michael Ryan Martin. Anyone who knows Mike knows that he is full of passion - passion for the outdoors, his family, his children. He lived every moment to the fullest and made sure he was having fun doing it. Mike loved an opportunity to help and was generous with his time. There was no job too small or too large for him to put his every effort into. He was very handy, and could make, fix, or even invent a solution to any problem. He never left a job undone. Mike was born on Christmas Eve, 1968 and grew up biking and building tree forts with his brother in the U.P. He graduated from Benzie Central, where he was an accomplished baseball player and state champion cross-country runner. Upon graduation, he joined the Air Force, proudly serving his country. He then returned to school, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Fish and Wildlife from MSU. He began his career as a mail handler at the United States Postal Service and took great pride in his job. Mikey loved working, loved his coworkers, and then he loved to play. In the summer, you could always find Mike partying on the bay or fishing on one of the area’s many lakes. He was an avid hunter and the self-proclaimed “world’s best bass fisherman!” Always active, if he had to get someplace, he ran. Mike was a dedicated father to his two children Lauren and Preston; a caring son to his mother Diane, father Roger, and stepmother Beth; and a devoted partner to his fiancé Ems. He and his brother Curt were lifelong best friends, and he had a special connection with his sister Sherry. His niece Jordan and nephew Eric will miss his signature animal sounds. Mike’s life was filled with joy, wonder, and the love of many friends and a close family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in Mike’s honor to one of the following: Suicide Prevention Child and Family Services, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy A celebration of life will take place on Sunday November 1, 2020 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 1:00pm - 4:00pm with a time of sharing at 2:00pm. The service will also be webcast. Please tune in to rjfh.tv to view the services. Masks are required for the celebration and respect to social distancing. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family. Mike and his family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.