Jerry “Smokey” Martin

Jerry “Smokey” Martin, 62, died July 2, 2011, at his home in Willow from a heart attack.

Smokey was a master tinker and could fix just about anything if he had a mind to. He had several associate degrees. Smokey was a kind and gentle person who will be missed by many.

Jerry was born in Tomahawk, Wisc., Feb. 19, 1949, but Alaska was always his home and where he was happiest, and that is where he will remain. Alaska was in his blood from the moment he first arrived while serving in the Coast Guard in 1968. He moved to the Lower 48 a few times between 1968 and 1990, but he could never stay away long and always returned home.

He leaves behind Sym, his beloved cat of 18 years. Also surviving are his sisters, Dixie (Stephen) of North Carolina and Mary of Wisconsin; and three nieces, a nephew, one aunt, cousins and many friends.

Preceding him in death was his father, Gustav Martin; mother, Dawn Cressy; brother, Gustav Martin Jr.; and niece, Krystal Hayward. A celebration of his life will be in Alaska at a later date.