A. Martin McBirney, 60

A. Martin McBirney, 60, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Friday May 22, 2009, in Sandpoint.

He was born Oct. 14, 1948, in Germany, completed high school and college in Eugene, Ore., as well as one year of college in Kent, England. He graduated with a degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon in 1971.

Athletic pursuits such as surfing, professional bicycling, and rock climbing were mainstays of Martin’s life. He climbed the major cliffs in Yosemite Park, including the Salathe Wall on El Capitan. He participated in the sport at a world-class level, establishing numerous first ascent routes in Yosemite and throughout the Northwest. After moving to Sandpoint in 1992, Martin continued his outdoor pursuits, most recently enjoying kayaking.

Martin’s career in the long-term care insurance industry included actuarial work, product development, marketing and lobbying for American Express and GE Capital Assurance Company. His consulting work in product design, industry relations, and as an expert consultant earned the respect of industry, insurance regulators, and consumer advocates across the country.

Martin was defined by his creative talents, his analytical abilities, and his love for family and community. Neighborhood projects were easily administered and everyone’s bikes were happily fixed. Volunteer work at his daughter’s schools included construction projects and teaching mathematical concepts to students in the Upper Quartile Program at Farmin Stidwell. Martin enjoyed woodworking projects with his daughter Margaux, entertained her and her friends with extreme treasure hunts and sledding runs, and enjoyed outdoor pursuits with his family.

Whatever the sense of failure Martin may have felt at the end, his accomplishments and the love that his family and friends feel for him will long survive his passing. He is survived by his wife Karlen and their 13-year-old daughter Margaux; two sisters and their families, and his parents, Robert and Carmen of Eugene. Martin was preceded in death by his brother, Richard.

Memorial services will be held July 25, with the location to be announced. Donations may be made to a third-party administered college memorial fund in Margaux McBirney’s name at Wells Fargo Bank, 320 N. Fourth, Sandpoint, ID, (208) 255-3880.

Family and friends are invited to sign Martin’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.