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In memory of
Keith Donovan Martin
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Keith's obituary
Keith’s story begins on October 20, 1930 (10/20/30, as he would remind us kids!), the oldest child of Harold and Evelyn “Jackie” Martin. Born in Canada shortly after his parents emigrated from England, his birth foreshadowed his well-travelled life. During his youth, Bampie called several places home, including England, Canada, New York, and Massachusetts, where he graduated from Sharon High School in 1948. After high school he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, where his father was a professor of Management Engineering. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Nancy, who, after a whirlwind romance, he married in 1951.
After graduating from Rensselaer, Keith began a career that would lead to many notable
successes and opportunities. With United Nuclear in Connecticut, he was at the forefront of the developing nuclear energy industry. Later, he held executive positions at many successful companies, including Precision Castparts, IMO Industries, and Precision Wire Components before he began a second career as an independent consultant, working part-time into his early 80’s. His career provided him and Nancy the opportunity to see the world, living and working in much of Europe, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Costa Rica.
Keith never sought to be the center of attention, but that is often where he found himself. He couldn’t help it. People were drawn to his quick wit, sense of humor, and genuine joy for living. Keith never met a person he couldn’t charm. He was a born leader, as people gravitated towards his unique and confident approach to living. He was a lover of jazz music, the symphony, sports, the theater, a good glass of scotch, and so much more. His diverse interests and love of people created an environment of inclusion and acceptance to anyone he encountered.
Bampie didn’t try to be the smartest person in a room, because there really was never any doubt that he was. Even in brief encounters, his genius was unmistakable. He excelled at RPI and at age 49, Keith took a bold step and left his job in Southern California to attend law school at Lewis and Clark College. There, he impressed his younger classmates with his street smarts, and ability to grasp difficult concepts quickly.
Keith’s presence carried from the classroom and boardroom to his family room, as he was a “super” (one of his favorite words!) dad to his four children. His big personality, passion to invest in the people around him, and ability to see a person’s best qualities were passed on to his kids. Keith, Nancy, and their children were lucky to reside near one another the last 35 years, always staying in touch and spending many great times together.
Keith was adored by his grandkids, to whom he played the role of mentor, teacher, cheerleader, coach, and most importantly, Bampie. He was a stable voice, and was always there to listen. He encouraged his grandkids to pursue a wide range of passions, as evidenced by his presence at dance recitals, music concerts, graduations, and sporting events. He rarely missed a chance to support his grandkids. He could never just “blend-in” to a crowd, which often led to the question, “who’s the old man” cheering just a little louder, and caring just a little more than those around him, to which we were proud to say, “that’s my Bampie.”
Although dementia took hold during the final years of his life, Keith willed his mind to fight against its most debilitating symptoms and maintain his joy and positivity. He remembered the faces of his wife, kids and grandkids, and continued to bring light and energy into any room he entered. He fought like hell.
His death leaves an absence in the lives of the people who loved him, but his presence will continue to be felt through the lessons he left his family. We are reminded of how blessed and proud we are to call Keith husband, father, brother, and Bampie. Although the sadness of living in a world without him weighs heavy on our hearts, we are motivated to continue learning, living joyfully, and investing in the people around us, just as he did, and carry his legacy forward to make this world a better place.
Keith is survived by his wife Nancy Martin; brother and sister Phil Martin and Pam Whitwell; children Debi Withee, Penelope (Joe) Thomas, Bill (Monica) Martin, and Rob Martin; grandchildren Jessica (Travis) Baker, Paul (Rachel) Martin, Clay (Brooke) Martin, Mary Elise (Corey Bozich) Thomas, Bryce (Ciera) Martin, Trent (Meredith Padfield) Martin and Carson Donnelly; and great-grandchildren Nash Baker and Annabelle Martin.
Many thanks to the Eva and Gabriel Adult Care Home for their wonderful care of Keith since May 2016. Knowing he was in such good hands was so comforting to his family!
In memory of Keith, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the American Heart Association (heart.org)
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Created with love by
William Martin.
