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Honoring a Family Legacy of Commitment to Conservation

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Sunset at Malheur Refuge

Honoring a Family Legacy of Commitment to Conservation

Bill Martin was Deputy Director for Region 1 USFWS and after relocating to Oregon to take that post he decided to retire there because he loved your state so much.  Just prior to his death I asked him what I could do for him by way of remembrance, and he said he wanted to do something for the Oregon Refuges. We had a good time looking them over and zeroing in on one – Malheur.  His brother Jack thought that was a grand way to remember brother Bill so later, after he died, I made the donations in both their names. Thank you for the opportunity to remember these two ardent outdoorsmen and conservationists. Their kids are thrilled to be part of it as am I.

Jack Robert Martin
Jack Robert Martin worked for IBM for 25 years, but was an outdoorsman at heart.
When he retired in 1986 he spent much of his time in service to others at his church and
in his community, and for many years each spring he and his wife, Raquel, volunteered
as lighthouse keepers at Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina where they
lived in the keeper’s quarters, took care of the lighthouse and the island, and watched
over the protected sea turtles, horses, and other wildlife. At family reunions, he made
sure everyone had enough beer and ice cream (not simultaneously), and he was always
happiest when he was spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors and
being of service to others. (Marie Martin)


William (Bill) E. Martin
William (Bill) E. Martin served as a USAF Supply Officer in Korea from 1958 to 1961,
earned a Master’s degree in Wildlife Administration from Colorado State University in
1963, and subsequently began a career with the US Department of Agriculture
evaluating pesticide safety, on the heels of Rachel Carson’s landmark book “Silent
Spring.” Later, over a 30 years career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bill was
involved in a number of impactful efforts at the federal level to protect wildlife and wild
places and was recognized with a Special Achievement Award in 1969 from the Bureau
of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and with the the Civil Servant of the Year Award in 1976
from the USFWS. Bill moved to Oregon in 1989 to assume the post of USFWS Deputy
Director for Region 1 and upon his retirement in 1993 was honored with the Meritorious
Service Award by Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt. (Scott Martin & Brett Martin)

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