LCDR Wayne Allen Martin (ret.), 77

LCDR Wayne Martin (ret.), passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 5, 2017, in Aurora, Colo., where he had resided since 2011.

Wayne was born on May 8, 1939, in Los Angeles, Calif., where he spent his childhood and enjoyed time with his grandparents at Newport Beach. He graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1957, having lettered in basketball and tennis all four years. His love of tennis continued through his college career where he played tennis with Billie Jean King and earned a bachelor’s degree from LA State College. He later earned a master’s degree in aerospace administration from USC.

Wayne joined the U.S. Navy and was commissioned an ensign in 1963. He was a naval aviator and decorated Vietnam veteran. He flew as navigator and intelligence officer on the EA6B aircraft, and was always identified by his call sign “WAMO.” Throughout his 20-year military career, Wayne was stationed in Pensacola, Fla., for flight training, Japan during Vietnam, Washington, D.C., serving at the Center for Naval Analysis, Whidbey Island, Wash., flying missions off the USS Enter-prise, and in San Diego, Calif., where he commanded Warner Springs SERE Survival training base. During his career, Wayne received 19 medals, most notably the Purple Heart and the Silver and Bronze Stars.

After retiring from the Navy in 1983, Wayne moved to North Idaho. An avid outdoorsman and survival expert, he made a point of exploring every mountain, trail and back road in North Idaho. He was a devoted bridge player, outstanding skier, and enjoyed the occasional garage sale! Wayne was a loyal and generous friend known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need. His grandchildren, his greatest pride, were the most important part of his life.

Wayne worked as a reserve deputy for Bonner County Sheriff from 1988 until 2009 in several departments including civil, bailiff, transport, detention center, and marine division.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Deb Calascione, and her husband, Chris, of Parker, Colo.; his grandchildren, Andrew, Stephanie, Allison, Jennifer and Thomas; and his sister, Janet Eischen, and her husband, Jay, of Columbia Falls, Mont.; and extended family, Mary Kennedy, Jessica and Justin Malloy of Post Falls Idaho, and two former wives, Diane Martin of San Marcos, Calif., and Elisabeth O’Meara of Sandpoint. He was preceded in death by his parents and his great-aunt, Dr. Mary O’Meara Pepper.

Wayne’s ashes will be spread in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 25126, Denver CO. 80225, in memory of LCDR Wayne A. Martin (ret.)