Behold, thou art fair, my Beloved. Song of Solomon 1:16
Our dad has seen the great I Am from the highest peaks, the lowest draw, the most unforgiving prairie, the darkest waters, in the silence of a granddaughter who speaks, but not with words, in the languish of a sickbed, and the borders of the grave. In awe, in tears, in anguish of soul the joys and sorrows have been many.
But “You are my portion in the land of the living”, his heart would never betray the one he trusted in. Much Mercy was given, much Mercy was extended.
As an only child of Sidney and Gertrude Martin, he grew up on the prairies of South Dakota, a family of homesteaders near Sturgis, on Alkali Creek. His father taught him the value of the land, the sacredness of life in the natural order. Living simply with self-sufficiency, the land yielded to their needs. Nothing was wasted. While family being away during WWII, as a boy, he lived with his grandmother on the homestead. A Shetland pony was his transportation to the schoolhouse a mile away! In inclement weather, he and the small horse had the privilege of a car ride home, his pony in the back seat! Family serving at nearby Fort Meade taught him the great appreciation of horses. He would later prove that he could spot a Trifecta!
On a train ride with “Orders of Induction into the Armed Forces of the United States” his eye caught sight of the prettiest Irish lass he had ever seen! He said she was all he could think about while serving his time in the Army. They were married in 1959 and Mom worked to put Dad through undergraduate school, where he earned a Batchelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management in 1963. He would go on to complete his Master’s degree with the help of his wife. Mom was presented with the most fabulous Certificate of Award for her efforts! She would soon learn how to prepare every manner of dead animal; big game, upland game birds, waterfowl, fish of all kinds, but most importantly, she learned how to sleep with a man who wore his ticks to bed!!
To you, our Papa, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, and friend, we celebrate your return to the One who created you, that we, your family and friends might know you even better. So very grateful, we won’t forget what your life has taught us.
We see you in the words of the Psalmist:
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday May 31, 2022
The Lighthouse Assembly of God Church
3300 Horizon Parkway
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday May 31, 2022
The Lighthouse Assembly of God Church
3300 Horizon Parkway
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
MARTHA CRANDALL says
We already miss you. My sympathy.
Ted Stein says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Neil’s family and friends. He is a great man! You’ll be missed by many.
Peggy and Chuck Steadman says
Thinking of you during this time!
Destiny Carlson says
I can only imagine your reunion with your beautiful JoEllen. We are so grateful to have had you both in our lives. God Bless you all.
Levi & Destiny
Carolyn Mathison says
Martin kids…..I loved your parents..May God wrap His arms around all of you…
Brad Schmitz says
Martin Family: Sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. He is a legend in the Fish and Game world. His efforts produced solid habitats, strong populations of deer and antelope and best of all.. opportunities for the common folk. Neil came along on many of our trips to Fort Peck for meetings, fishing, and team building. His history and perspective gave young biologists a great starting point in their careers. He’s left a great legacy. Mostly, he was a good fellow and friend.
Dale Tribby says
To Neil’s family – Thinking of Neil and you all. So many Neil Martin memories. So many joint accomplishments. We didn’t always agree, but Neil never let that hinder another project. May he rest in peace.
James Arneson says
It seems not that long ago we visited in the Air Port Inn. To Neil’s family and friends, I send my deepest condolences. What a gentle man, yet stood his ground in his beliefs. Thanks for everything you you did for this great state at FWP. Rest in peace
Kyle and Gail Shaw says
So sorry to read about Neil. We visited with him not long ago. What a wonderful man.
George and Maggie Holom says
To Neil’s family: We are sorry to hear of his passing. We enjoyed visiting with him at the Airport Inn and will miss seeing him there. May he Rest In Peace.🙏🏻
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Oh my goodness..to Neil’s family, we are so sorry to hear this. What a good man and friend..can’t believe he’s gone, but you know it was a grand reunion in heaven with Jo❤
Tom Lillian Ostendorf says
I am glad we got to visit with him at the Airport Inn a couple of times recently. We always kidded that we saw each other there so much. To the family…we send our deep condolences.
Lance Ivanish says
My good friend is celebrating with Jesus! May He comfort the family!
David Breisch says
Neil was a brother in Christ and a good friend. I will miss him. Lots of good memories. May his memories be a blessing to his family. And may the Lord comfort and strengthen his family.
Mike Schmitz says
My condolences to Neil’s family. I had his insurance for many years and he was one of my favorite customers. I also had the pleasure of visiting with him recently, at Airport Inn, which I will remember. He had a great story about his father growing old, that will stay with me forever. Godspeed Neil, your journey has just begun! Peace be with his family.
Kevin & Susan Hom says
All Neil’s family,
Our love and prayers go out to you, we are sad to hear of his passing. Neil was such a nice man, Kevin and our granddaughter sure enjoyed coffee time with him. Hugs
Steve Knapp says
Neil, boss, mentor and friend. I was shocked to hear of your passing. However, I know you made it to the heavenly Kingdom. I will miss our conversations. Now you need to pray for us, your family and friends. So long for now, until we meet again.
Jackie Stroh says
Terri, Brett and to your extended family
I was so sadden to hear of Neil’s passing Your Dad was a genuinely nice man who loved the lord your mother and his children I enjoyed the conversation I would have with him on numerous occasions. It was a pleasure taking care of him at Holy Rosary. His spirit is free and his soul is at rest with your mother. God Bless you all in your loss and sorrow.
Donna Orthman says
To the Martin family: Ivan and I had the pleasure of knowing both of your parents for many years and always enjoyed both of them. In the later years most of the interaction we had with Neil was at the Airport Inn. I always enjoyed seeing him there and we always had time to visit when we saw each other. He was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him. Donna & Ivan Orthman
Teal Dobie says
Terri, Kara and family, I’m sending all of my love, thoughts and prayers your way. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I can just imagine the reunion though between Neil and Gramma Jo and that makes me smile and warms my heart. They were special special people, I loved them both dearly.
al says
goodbye my old friend
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Martin family. I am so sorry for the loss of Neil. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with all of you.
Audrey Haumschild says
RIP Neil you are now with the love of your life ❤ and I hope that you get to see all the beautiful birds 🐦 everywhere.
Cheryl Tonn says
Such a nice man who will be missed by so many! My Bill loved visiting with him! My most sincere and heartfelt condolences!
Jack Austin says
Neil was a wonderful person to work with and a great biologist. Untold numbers of sportsmen nationwide continue to enjoy the benefits of his labor and his love for wildlife and wild places.
John Ensign says
Terri, Donny, Bret , Grandkids & Great Grandkids – What an absolute honor & privilege for me to have been under mentorship & tutelage of, and having the blessing to work with, a truly great biologist & wildlife manager- and an all around good human being to boot. I will miss both Jo & Neil’s friendship & hospitality. They are now back together! Thank you folks for sharing these two with the rest of us while they were here in the flesh. God bless you and yours.
Mollie Phipps says
Thoughts and prayers be with you all blessings to your family as you mourn your loss.
Jodie Rhodes says
Teri and family I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Such a nice caring man. Your mom was always so sweet to me. I know you’ll miss him and of course your mom. May God’s strength hold you near and continue to do until you see them again
God Speed
Jodie Burnett Rhodes
Vida says
I’m sure gonna miss seeing him at City Brew. . .what a wonderful guy! Know I am thinking of you all. . .and wishing you peace. . .
Ray and Nancy Schaefer says
We Believe that our Brother in Christ is now walking hand in hand with his Joellen on the streets of Heaven. He had a more lasting impact on us all than I think he realized, and will be missed by all. Our thoughts go with Terri, Don, Brett and all the family, may God comfort you at this time.
Chris Young says
So sorry for your loss. I spent a few years working for him at Fish and Game. He was a good man. Dennis went on many hunting trips with him
and they always had quite the stories to tell.
Kathy J Leischner says
To Neil’s family-What a special man Neil was. I have so many memories of conversations shared while he was working out or having a cup of coffee. I always walked away with something valuable to think about. Both he and JoEllen enriched my life. Both led lives that gave evidence of their love of Jesus. Praying God’s comfort for you all at this time.
Robin Wolff says
Terri and family so so sorry to hear of your dad passing. He was an awesome person. Always friendly he has a very special place in Shatorrie’s heart. Sending love hugs and prayers. Kyle Robin and Shatorrie.
Tom Nelson says
Terri and family our thoughts and prayers are with you Tom and Marie
Breanna says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends as we all mourn the loss of this spectacular man. Neil became a major member of my life when I began working at Airport Inn. Everyday I looked forward to seeing his smiling face and sitting down with him to have one of our many wonderful conversations. Neil became like a grandfather to me and never hesitated to make me feel like a member of his family. Though he is no longer with us his smile, laugh, and kindness will forever live on. May we all find peace .
Jeff Herbert says
Terry & Family – No matter our age, when we lose a parent it has an impact on each of us. When that person was a friend to many that impact ripples outward in an even bigger circle. Your dad meant a great deal to many of us whom he hired, mentored, debated with and managed as wildlife biologists across eastern MT. He passed along some fundamental beliefs that helped shape us as professionals and individuals. For me, Neil and Jo welcomed us to their home for gatherings that fostered a sense of “we’” and the importance of family; he asked us to spend time amongst our communities to develop trust that led to partnerships; he showed us that by having a light but focused hand on the ground, we could have a lasting effect on the landscape; and he taught us that by speaking in a quiet voice in a meeting, people listened closely to what was being said. Thank you for sharing your parents with us and we pass along a big hug for the days that will follow.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
We will miss Neil especially at our coffee runs. He was a devout man and always willing to share his faith. Much love to the entire family.
Loree Jeffers says
Terri and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad and Mom’s passing. They were very neat people. I was mostly around your Mom, and she was always so easy to visit with. It’s a big void in our lives when our parents are gone, but the memories are always with us. I lift you up in prayer through this time of grieving. I send my love ❤️
John Clark says
So sorry tp hear this news. Neil is one of my favorite people of all time.
jwc
Mitch Hillier says
Very belated and evidently very out of touch
. Great memories of Neil on early mornings in the Miles City Summers. Neil and my father coached our Babe Ruth baseball team that also included my brother Scott and Neil’s son Brett. I loved Neil’s jocularity and his infectious laugh. Life then was simple, when people had time and a genuine interest in the people in their life. Neil always had time to teach, encourage and coach you no matter your place or frustration with things simple or complex. I was fortunate to have grown up in Miles City and honored to have had Neil as a coach , an influence and a friend as I grew older and continued a close friendship with Brett. All of you are in my prayers.