Obituary: Jon Martens

Jon started his occupational history atop the rugged summit of Indian Mountain lookout located in the Oregon National Forest. He went on to perform aerial fire observation and detection from Hood River County to Central Oregon for fire prevention. He worked temporarily for his in-laws (Wally and Nadine Hutson) at their Hutson family orchard hauling fruit and running excavation equipment. He then went on to work for U.S. Plywood & Edward Hines Lumber Company in Dee, Ore. During the winter months, he would work for the Oregon State Highway Department and as a chair lift operator at Mt. Hood Meadows. During the summer he also drove log truck for John Gray. He went on to work for the U.S. Forest Service Road Maintenance Department, obtaining a full-time position running heavy equipment. He then became a Road maintenance supervisor, transitioning into his role of Road Management overseeing several thousand miles of road throughout three districts until his retirement.

April 1994, Jon, along with his wife Mida Kay, were two of the 2,200 federal employees who accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Departure retiring at a young age. He worked from 1968-1994 for Mt. Hood National Forest USDA.

When Jon married Mida Kay, he discovered their mutual love for horses. Jon grew up riding, working, and playing astride horses in Montana. His wife had always wanted to have a horse. Jon made that dream come true for Mida. Their favorite horse together was a 17.1 hand bright red saddlebred / thoroughbred cross named Firecracker. Their love of horses was passed on to all three daughters. Jon supported his girls for more than 20 years in 4-H, including volunteering at our local Hood River County Fair as a night watchman for many years alongside his good friend Hoss Campbell.

Jon unquestionably loved sports, bowling, the outdoors, fishing, hunting and his family. He played basketball into his adulthood in the men’s community leagues. He coached youth sports teams for his grandsons and coached girls’ basketball — including his granddaughter (sixth grade through high school) at Horizon Christian School. Outside of coaching, Jon was also a devoted sideline supporter for all his grandchildren’s sporting events, which often involved traveling. Jon rarely missed a game!

Jon is survived by his wife Mida Kay and their three daughters, Collice, Heidi and husband Ray Kyar, and Jennifer and husband Mark Gunter; his 11 grandchildren (Wesley, Tyler, Jon, Cory, Sonna and husband Ryan Weddle, Bryce, Lauryn and husband Mauricio Carrera, Masyn, Adisyn, James and Brandon; and his six great-grandchildren (Michael, Hannah, Brynlee, Kason, Royce and Scarlett), along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his many friends. Both of his parents, grandparents and his brother Jim have preceded him in death.

Jon loved visiting and knew no stranger. Please join us to share your memories and his remarkable 82 years of life. A celebration of life gathering will be held the afternoon of Friday, July 19 at 3 p.m. at Horizon Christian School-Shephard of the Valley Bible Church in Hood River. Services are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.