- Date Of Birth: April 3, 1947
- Date Of Death: July 16, 2015
- State: Montana
Martin was born in Yorkshire, England on April 3, 1947 to Kenneth Winder and M. Irene Mann. Martin received his education in England, Germany and Singapore. He majored in 3-dimensional art at the College of Leeds in England, and his art was exhibited in Hayward Gallery in London and Headingley Gallery in Leeds. As well as being a practicing artist, Martin taught sculpture and pottery, and then contracted through the British High Commission to the Nigerian Government where he lectured in a teachers college. At the same time, Martin became involved in personal research into traditional Nigerian pottery. Martin returned to England and was appointed as an advisor to the American Military Schools in Europe, ultimately immigrating to the USA.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Browning, in 1977 in Belt, MT. This union raised two wonderful children. Once in the USA, his career path changed, and he spent the remainder of his working life as an insurance agent. He was very active in the Belt community, being a volunteer for the Rural Fire Department, always enjoying cooking sausages for the fundraiser cookout. He was a loyal member of the Belt Community Church, even drawing up the building plans for the church that stands today.
Martin was a charmer, a smart man who was always two steps ahead, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Besides his affinity for art, Martin got much enjoyment in sailing his boat “the Sloopy Hollow” on Canyon Ferry Lake as well as driving his self-built hover craft. His artistic side came alive building cribs for his grandchildren, as well as creating a game he patented called “Stopinos”. Fabricating his own tiles out of wood, and later having them made into plastic, the family spent many wonderful hours playing this game.
Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara; son, Jason Winder of Belt, MT; daughter, Kari (Chris) Shirley of East Helena, MT; brothers, Ian (Mary) of Georgia, Robert (Deborah) and Nigel (Tone) of England; seven grandchildren, Meaghan, Lauren, Rebecca, Emily, Abigail, Adam, and Noah.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Diana.
