Francis Ernest Martin - RIP

[Rich]

Ernie passed from this life around 2:45 this morning 8/16/2005. Ernie was a good man, born and raised on Beaver Island, a man proud of his Island, a commercial fisherman, a proud and highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, a car salesman, a builder, a proud father and most importantly a proud American. Deeply humbled by the effects of war, Ernie never gave up the fight. He will be deeply missed for his caring and compassion for those who knew him. Funeral arrangements will be posted when available. Please post your thoughts. God Bless 'Ya Ernie!

[Gatliff Gal]

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Richie certainly captured many of Ernie's fine characteristics --- just wanted to add what a heck of a dancer he was as well !

Lisa Doig (Gatliff)

[Rich S]

Thanks Richie for posting the news.

Ernie was a great mentor to me in my early adult years. He fought many battles in this life and in many ways he is a hero to me. He has occupied a lot of space in my mind the last few weeks. One of the things that keeps coming up is how he cast no judgment on anyone. Rich man or beggar, he looked upon us all with solid and compassionate eyes. Peace can be hard to live with sometimes, but he's got it now... I will miss you Ernie.

Rich S.

[Barb S.]

Many of you may not know this but Ernie was unable to obtain health or burial insurance, so the family is facing tremendous costs. A fund has been established to assist the family in defraying the costs they are facing. Donations may be sent to the family of Ernie Martin, c/o Post Office Box 217, Beaver Island, Michigan 49782. Your help in this matter is truly appreciated.

[Julie Gillespie]

I'll miss seeing Ernie and having him call me cousin as he never failed to so. One of my last conversations with Ernie involved a "transgression" towards my brother John and I in John's electric car, with the comment being that it "looks like it could hold some ton-age". He never failed to amuse or to be concerned about his fellow man. God Bless You Ernie.

[Michelle LaFreniere]

I too, will miss Ernie and his ever ready smile, and simple hello to whomever he met. I have known Ernie since I was a little girl, and have always thought highly of him. My most touching memory of Ernie is from 20 years ago. I was pregnant for my son, but hadn't told many people. I needed a job, winter was coming and there wasnt much work to be had. Ernie approached me and asked me if I would be willing to mend nets and string new ones. I knew I had to do SOMETHING. I gave it a shot, and both Ernie and Jackie were patient teachers. When the job was done, and Ernie paid me, I realized it was quite a bit more than what I had planned on and said something to him, thinking he had overpaid me, and his quite and unassuming response, as he walked away was " Buy that baby something." I will never forget that.. Thank you Ernie.

[Sue]

We didn't know Ernie personally, but we heard about his accident right after it happened, and after checking for Rich's posts on a daily basis and reading everyone's comments, we feel like we came to know him a little. Our thoughts and prayers for his family.
Sue & Dale

[Dave Roop]

Like Julie stated, Ernie always greeted me with HELLO COUSIN.
Since my mother's maiden name and Ernie's grandmother's name were the same we declared ourselves cousin.
Good bye ole buddy, will surely miss you when l get off that boat.

[BigMike]

I just wanted to pass along our condolences to Ernie's entire family. Our thoughts are with you.


Mike and Jennifer Verleger

[beckyg24]

To my second family,
Where to begin? I cannot believe this has happened and all of my thoughts and prayers are with you "Mom", MJ and Little Ernie. I will miss seeing "Francis" sitting in the Shamrock drinking coffee and socializing with so many people he knew and got to know. As Richie stated so many good qualities of him. I remember when Mary Jane and I were growing up and we were the best of friends, seemed like we were always together, I will always remember how much he loved his family. Mary Jane, "Mom", and Little Ernie, I am so sorry that I will not be able to make it for the funeral but I will be there for each of you in spirit and know this: I am only a phone call away and will be here if ever any one of you need anything. Mary Jane I will get in touch with you so that we can plan some "us" time as soon as possible. Just know that I love you all and wish there was someway for me to get there for you. Becky

[Edward Tobolik]

My condolences are with the Martin family on there loss. Although I had only know Ernie a short time I know by my past experiences that his passing will leave a hole that can never be filled.
A mans life touches so many, Ernies more than others.
Edward Tobolik

[Paul/Shirley Cole]

Just wanted to say never have we seen such a heartfelt send-off such as that paid to Ernie last week. From his arrival on the boat with flags at half-mast and the Am-Vet troop marching him home through the pouring rain, cars all following behind, lining the harbor, standing room only for the rosary, people piled up outside the home, Am-Vet escort to the Catholic church again Saturday and then after the wonderful service, taken by horse and wagon to the cemetary, again the cars as far as the eye can see, Father Pat and the prayers followed by full military burial with the 21-gun salute, taps on the horn and folded flag presentation, an Island Airways fly-over, a Native American Indian tribute and ceremonial song with drums, and a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace to boot! Truly showed the level of respect, love, and admiration the community felt for their native son. Inspiring in the sense that one person could have such a tremendous effect on the lives of so many. Again - our deepest sympathies to the Martin family, and to Ernie ~ may you rest in peace ~ you will be sincerely missed.

[Rich]

Very nice tribute Paul and Shirley, we can only agree.





The depth of the ceremony was incredible. I would like to thank those who have sent much needed contributions toward the Martin family expenses and only ask that people continue to send donations, Lord knows they are needed. Thanks again!!

[N.Marsh]

I've come to know and love the Ernie after coming here for six summers in a row. Ernie always had a kind word to say to me year after year.When he would come to the store to get his three candy bar's I'd have him turn around so I could hook up that one suspender. Ernie I will miss your bright smile and miss seeing you every summe.r You will never be forgotten!. I hope to see ya in heaven my friend Godspeed.

[Kevin Gallagher]

Kevin Gallagher
Guest





Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:28 pm
Post subject: Ernie Martin

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I met Ernie and his brother Emmett on my first visit to Beaver Island when I was about 12 yrs old which would have been in 1962. I helped them haul in fishing nets in the harbor and we became friends. My brother Mike and I last saw them all during Homecoming in 2004 where I had a chance to talk to Bud who helped us find our great, great, grandfather, Cornelius' homestead. We had a good time visiting with all 3 of them and was saddened to hear the news of his passing. He and I connected several times over the years when we used to make frequent trips to the Island with my parents, John and Betty Gallagher. My sympathy and prayers go out to his brothers and the rest of the Beaver Island community.
Kevin Gallagher
Kalamazoo, MI