In Memory

Howard Martinson Jr. - Class Of 1967 VIEW PROFILE

Howard D. Martinson, Jr. passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021 after a full and joyful life. Howard became acutely aware of the preciousness of each day after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2010. This commitment to live and love fully was renewed when he was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020. Howie was a warrior. He never gave up.

Howard, Jr. born in 1949, the son of Howard D. and Luella (O'Connor) Martinson, Sr., grew up in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Ferris High School. A loyal Coug, he earned his Bachelor of Arts at Washington State University, where he was in ROTC. He married Paula Owens Martinson Clark and they lived for several years in California where Howard joined the National Guard. His work in sales management took them to Seattle. In 1978 the family, now including Peter, relocated to Coeur d'Alene, where Amy was born. Howard continued to serve as a Captain in the National Guard for 10 years, transferring to a Washington State unit.

Howard earned a Master of Business Administration at City University. After working in sales management positions in the auto industry, he started Coeur d'Alene Telecom (initially Coeur d'Alene Wireless) and sold cell phones while they were still largely unknown. Howard geared his work to communication and to serving the community. He was proud of his work as Executive Director of Fresh Start, writing grants to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

An ambassador for Coeur d'Alene, both in quiet, personal ways and in public service, Howard was thrilled to be tapped for the 2006 Leadership Coeur d'Alene program. His lifelong service included the County Waterways Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board and Commodores, the Panhandle and Coeur d'Alene Kiwanis, 1st Presbyterian Church, and many more service and social organizations. Shortly after his first cancer diagnosis, he was asked to lead the Spokane Multiple Myeloma Education Network which he co-led for 10 years, bringing on new leaders to continue this important work. Howie never quit. This past year he served as a volunteer at the KROC and president of his homeowner’s association.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Howard did not believe in “step-family”, he fully embraced and enjoyed all of the family that entered his life. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Teresa Barrett Brown Martinson. He is survived by his present wife, Amber Joplin; brother, Chris Martinson (Betsy Stansell); sons, Peter Martinson (Katie), and Christopher Brown (Mary); daughters, Amy Martinson Cross (Ken Peacock), Michelle Brown, and Valerie Joplin. The joys of his life were his grandchildren, Laurin Brown (Michael Gieschen), Mattie Martinson, Mackenzie Brown, Bria Cross, Jake Martinson, Ezra Beekley-Peacock, and Charlotte Peacock.

Howard made and kept friends throughout his life, regularly calling and texting. He had a knack for being a good storyteller and always making people laugh. Time with family and friends was precious, especially where good food was involved. He loved Priest Lake, where he spent summers growing up, and all things huckleberry. Also, all things grilled. He enjoyed boating with the Spokane Yacht Club, biking, travel, especially cruises, and cheering on the North Idaho College Cardinals, the Cougs, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Together with Amber, he became a snowbird, RV-ing to Arizona, where he also made many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, September 24, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church - 521 Lakeside Avenue, Couer d'Alene, ID 83814 . Friends are asked to please send remembrances and any special photographs to Howard's email address. Donations in memory of Howard may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, North Hollywood, California.

We love and miss you!

https://www.yatesfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Howard-D-Martinson-Jr?obId=22004110





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