Robert Martinson, Sr.

07/05/1930 — 10/23/2017

From Richland, WA | Born in Red Wing, MN

Robert Martinson, Sr.

Robert C. Martinson, Sr. was born July 5, 1930 in Red Wing, Minnesota and passed away on Monday, October 23, 2017 in Richland, WA at the age of 87.    

Robert graduated from Central High School in Red Wing, MN.  During his high school days, he played the trombone in both the concert and marching bands traveling to competitions in Minnesota and Canada.  He enjoyed all the winter sports and traveling, so after graduating, he made his way across the country with friends, ending in the Tri-Cities.  He was employed at Hanford with GE and eventually Rockwell.   He opted for early retirement in 1989 after spending 39 years working there. 

On October 10, 1953, he married Elsa M. Heinen.    They made their home in Richland where they raised 3 children.  In addition to normal family activities with their children, they enjoyed time on their boat, water-skiing and swimming, and taking their yearly summer vacation to Minnesota to visit family.  Robert and Elsa also spent time traveling and camping with her sister, Marjorie and Ken Stocker.  They enjoyed trips with them to Canada, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Missouri, Florida, Bahamas and camping with them in their identical motor homes towing identical VW bugs causing many second glances and smiles.


Later in life, Robert became a master at woodworking.  He made several Grandfather clocks and vintage clothes trees for his children and many Christmas decorations and toys that are cherished by family members to this day.  He loved sports and most weekends you could find him cheering on his Minnesota Vikings or Gonzaga Bulldogs.  During his relatively short battle withAlzheimer's, he never lost his sense of humor. 

Robert was preceded in death by his son, Robert, Jr., parents, Willie Clifford and Gladys (Swanson) Martinson, brothers Alton Martinson and Raymond Martinson.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Elsa, daughters Mary (Charlie) Cox, Joanne (Corey) Poynor, grandchildren Julie (Mark) Pink, Christine (Jarrod) Schultz, Shannon O'Connor, Scott (Anna) O'Connor, Lynn (Joel) Willits, Whitney (Joel) Klein, Brooke Poynor and great-grandchildren Todd and Riley Pink, Taylor and Micah Robbins, Andrew Burrows, Gregory James, Darin and Dane O'Connor, Avery and Addison Willits and Carson Klein in addition to many extended family. 

We would like to give special thanks to our Hospice team - Kristi, Amy and Craig for providing us the tools and moral support to carry on and also the staff of Guardian Angel Homes for the wonderful care given to Robert during his 7 month stay.    

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 11am - 2pm at Events at Sunset, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland.   

Memorials may be sent to Chaplaincy Hospice Care or the charity of your choice.

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