Michael "Mike" D. Martin, 75, of Traverse City, passed away May 19, 2023.
Michael "Mike" D. Martin, beloved Husband, Father and Pop-Pop, 75 of Traverse City, passed away on Friday May 19, 2023 at home. Mike was born in Flint, MI to the late William Martin and Peggy J. Featherstone on March 21, 1948.
Mike was enlisted and served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps at the young age of 17. He fought courageously and survived the Vietnam War. He was very private about his time in the military and shared stories on rare occasion with close friends and family.
He was a collector of many things: watches, movies, whether on VHS, DVD, or Blue Ray, music, burning countless CDs of his own mix of artists and genres. CARS - Mike loved all things "Car," washing, waxing, restoring and driving. Mike shared his passion for cars with his brother, Dennis. His cars, from early on and throughout his life meant the world to him. He was proud of his "ride." 'Bout Time gave him the pleasure of spending endless hours out in Grand Traverse Bay with his friends and family. Mike was a reader, the local morning paper, the New Yorker, which he enjoyed in his last days. Typically, he was involved in reading a book or two at the same time. His friends and family enjoyed giving him a hard time about having the best manicured lawn in the neighborhood. Mike experienced a hole-in-one at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course while playing 9 with Geezer, as they often did together. The Formula 1 racing circuit was a top interest to Mike. He and Geezer enjoyed the 25th Anniversary Race in Budapest, Hungary in 2015. Mike supported and watched the Detroit Lions always, regardless of their W/L record. Friday Happy Hours with his Double D friends built relationships that will continue.
Mike's memory will live on through his surviving family members, his wife of 35 years, Patricia McGee Martin, whom he fondly called Geezer. Their daughter Marley J. (Justin) McManus and grandchildren Wynn and Nolan who brought the brightest smiles to Pop-pop's face; sister-in-law Maria Chops-Martin; numerous McGee in laws, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and many Featherstone extended family members.
He was greeted in Heaven by his predeceased mother; stepfather Robert Featherstone; brother Dennis Martin; brother-in-law Kevin Shafer; Marlow, his companion and shop dog; His in-laws, Bill and Bernie McGee; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Arnold and Featherstone families.
A special thank you to Angel and Hannah from Hospice of Michigan for their guidance, support and friendship for the last 2 months. Mike embraced their care and time with him.
In memory of Mike, please contribute to Hospice of Michigan or an organization of your choice. He will be missed always and never forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Graveside services for friends and family will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Friday, June 9, at 3pm. Following, a gathering to celebrate Mike's life will be held from 4-6 pm, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.