Robert Wesley “Tink” Martin, 101, passed away Jan. 21, 2024, in his home in Centralia, Washington. He was born in Morton, Washington, on Aug. 10, 1922, the seventh child of Robert and Elva Martin in Glenoma, Washington.
He attended the University of Washington and worked as a mechanical and civil engineer primarily in Alaska and Washington. His specialty was arctic construction and he was instrumental in the building of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and oil exploration islands in the Beaufort Sea. He retired with his wife “Meg” in 1986 and established a home in Chehalis, later moving to Stillwaters Estates in Centralia.
Tink met Margaret Meyer in Petersburg, Alaska, in 1946, following his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were married in 1947 and raised two sons, Bob, born in 1948, and Terry, born in 1949.
Tink’s great joys in life were family, traveling the U.S. with Meg in their RV and tackling life’s challenges. He was an outdoorsman, inventor (holding multiple patents) and devoted husband and father. His quiet wit and numerous stories are still cherished by many.
Tink is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Meg, and his son Bob. He is survived by his brother, Tom Martin, of Olympia; son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Judy Martin, of Centralia; grandson and spouse, Tanner and Stephanie Martin, of Eagle Point, Oregon; granddaughter and spouse, Cami and Tim Gotshall, of Conifer, Colorado; and granddaughter, Cayce Martin, of Spokane.
A family graveside funeral service will be held this spring at Claquato Cemetery.
