Obituary for Harold "Bruce" Martin
Harold “ Bruce” Martin, age 72, of Battle Creek, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday evening May 14, 2020, after fighting a very difficult, but courageous battle with cancer. Bruce, the son of Cecil Martin and Mary Winchester was born on October 30, 1948 in Davidson County, Nashville, Tennessee. He was a 1967 graduate of Streetsboro High School in Streetsboro, Ohio and then served in the US Army as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
After his service in the Army, Bruce was employed as an Electrical Engineer throughout most of his career. He was especially proud of working for Harley Davidson. He finally retired in 2008 from Denso Manufacturing in Battle Creek, having worked there seven years.
Bruce is survived by his current wife of four years Julie (White) Martin, whom he married on May 21st, 2016. Also surviving are many half siblings, three children: Robert Martin from Sandusky, Ohio; Mike (Becky) Martin from Philadelphia, PA.; and his daughter Amy (Will) Fortin from Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren; Haley, Natalie, Jackson and Benjamin; and two former wives, Marjorie Carol Bane, Mother of Robert, and Sharon (Don) Gitberg, Mother of Mike and Amy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bruce was a “Here and Now” type of guy, although he enjoyed reminiscing about his “career days”, since he found great fulfillment in his work. Working for Harley Davidson gave Bruce such great satisfaction and enjoyment, that he started collecting motorcycle memorabilia. He also enjoyed genealogy, talking about politics and world events. He was a loving husband to Julie and teasing her was one of his favorite pastimes. He was intelligent, with a quick wit and bold sense of humor. His oldest son Robert, clearly shares his Dad’s ability to make others laugh. Bruce also thoroughly enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises to many locations in his retirement years. Bruce was also very insistent on taking Julie on a cruise this past October. Although the cancer had not yet been diagnosed, Bruce wasn’t his usual, outgoing self. They went anyway, and Bruce made sure that Julie thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Bruce was also very proud of his children and their accomplishments in life. He and Julie attended his son Mike’s wedding in Pennsylvania and more recently his daughter Amy’s wedding on Lake Michigan. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with his longtime pet poodle names Cody and more recently a young Yorkie named Bailey. Both provided great comfort during his illness.
A private funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Gordon officiating. Due to Covid-19 limitations friends and family may view the service through live stream on the Baxter Funeral and Cremation website. A private burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
In lieu of Flowers, Bruce’s family asks that memorial donations be directed to the disabled American Veterans (DAV).
After his service in the Army, Bruce was employed as an Electrical Engineer throughout most of his career. He was especially proud of working for Harley Davidson. He finally retired in 2008 from Denso Manufacturing in Battle Creek, having worked there seven years.
Bruce is survived by his current wife of four years Julie (White) Martin, whom he married on May 21st, 2016. Also surviving are many half siblings, three children: Robert Martin from Sandusky, Ohio; Mike (Becky) Martin from Philadelphia, PA.; and his daughter Amy (Will) Fortin from Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren; Haley, Natalie, Jackson and Benjamin; and two former wives, Marjorie Carol Bane, Mother of Robert, and Sharon (Don) Gitberg, Mother of Mike and Amy. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bruce was a “Here and Now” type of guy, although he enjoyed reminiscing about his “career days”, since he found great fulfillment in his work. Working for Harley Davidson gave Bruce such great satisfaction and enjoyment, that he started collecting motorcycle memorabilia. He also enjoyed genealogy, talking about politics and world events. He was a loving husband to Julie and teasing her was one of his favorite pastimes. He was intelligent, with a quick wit and bold sense of humor. His oldest son Robert, clearly shares his Dad’s ability to make others laugh. Bruce also thoroughly enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises to many locations in his retirement years. Bruce was also very insistent on taking Julie on a cruise this past October. Although the cancer had not yet been diagnosed, Bruce wasn’t his usual, outgoing self. They went anyway, and Bruce made sure that Julie thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Bruce was also very proud of his children and their accomplishments in life. He and Julie attended his son Mike’s wedding in Pennsylvania and more recently his daughter Amy’s wedding on Lake Michigan. Bruce also enjoyed spending time with his longtime pet poodle names Cody and more recently a young Yorkie named Bailey. Both provided great comfort during his illness.
A private funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Gordon officiating. Due to Covid-19 limitations friends and family may view the service through live stream on the Baxter Funeral and Cremation website. A private burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.
In lieu of Flowers, Bruce’s family asks that memorial donations be directed to the disabled American Veterans (DAV).