William R. “Rick” Martin, a devoted father and husband, passed away at home unexpectedly during the early morning of Monday, September 25th.
Rick was born in Nuremberg, Germany on July 25th, 1958 to Dick and Polly Martin. He attended Catholic High School in Little Rock, where he played on the football team. He then went on to graduate with a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas. His engineering career took him to Tucson, Arizona before relocating to Santa Barbara, California. He finally settled in Ventura, California in early 2000.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Laurie Martin, daughters Nicole Martin of Little Rock, Noelle Martin of Pacific Grove, Meagan Dwyer of New York City, and Patrick Dwyer of San Francisco. He is also survived by sisters Lori Ritchie and Kay Jaco, both of Little Rock, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Rick was a family-first, caring man who enjoyed his early morning coffee, meditations, fishing, hiking, and most recently began golfing. At his 20 year high school reunion in Little Rock, he became reacquainted with his Mount Saint Mary Academy fellow graduate, Laurie. After dating long distance for five years, they married in Little Rock in July 2001. Together they crafted a life complete with traveling, cheering on the Razorbacks, gardening, home improvement, and keeping in close touch with their children's lives. Rick’s unconditional love, kindness, and guidance will be sorely missed.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 10:30am in Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. A reception will follow. He will later be buried in his hometown of Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.