Obituary: Martin, Gail William
Age 96
He was born December 26th, 1915 in Ekalaka, MT to Fred and Delia Martin, The 5th oldest of eight children.
He had four sisters, Violet, Ruth, Ora and Annadene and three brothers, Harold, Max and Lyal.
Gail was a graduate of West Valley High School and married Hazel Andrus August 6th, 1936.
They brought their only daughter into the world on June 24th, 1937.
From 1936-1946 he worked doing various jobs skidding logs, working in a pole yard and saw mill.
He also cut cord wood and could cut a cord of wood a day (by hand).
In 1946 they rented the 3 Star Ranch and began a Grade “A” Dairy.
In 1954 they purchased the Farm on Regal Road and proudly owned, their own Grade “A” Dairy.
For 70+ years his place of residence was in and around Elk, WA.
Pend Oreille Fair for 20+ years where a horse barn is dedicated in honor of him.
He participated in many parades and Gymkhanas, Panorama Pony Club for several years which included driving ponies in covered wagons to Plains, Montana, Omak Stampede and Kootenai County Fair.
Gail helped start the Pend Oreille County Fire District #1.
In 1972 the Dairy Federation chose them as the South Inland Empire Dairy Family of the year.
Gail was a member of the Riverside School Board, County ASCS Committee and Grange Supply Board, He began as a charter member of Edgemere Grange in Vay, ID.
He joined Freeman Lake Grange near Oldtown, ID in 1944 and demitted to Fertile Valley Grange, Elk WA in 1948.
He was a member of the Subordinate, Pomona, State and National Grange.
At Fertile Valley Grange he held the offices of Master, Overseer, Lecturer, Secretary, Assistant Steward, Steward, Reporter and Executive Committeeman.
He was the Pend Oreille County Pomona Grange Master from 1960 - 1965 and later held the office of Lecturer.
He was appointed the Deputy Master for Pend Oreille County by Washington State Grange Master, A. Lars Nelson in 1970 and served until 1983.
He performed in the County, District and State Grange talent contests for several years.
Degree Captain for 4th and 5th degree for many years.
He competed in many singing competitions.
In 1968 they entered the family talent contest and won at State, which lead them to the National contest in Peoria, IL.
He is survived by his wife, Lucile.
Brother, Lyal Martin and Loretta of Clarkston, WA.
Sister, Annadene White of Denver, CO.
Daughter, Lois A. Cummins of Elk, WA.
Granddaughter, Sherry A Cummins and Dennis of Elk, WA.
Grandson, James W. Cummins and Sharon of Elk, WA.
Great-grandson and great-great-grandchildren, David Rice, Madison and Mason of Medical Lake, WA.
Great-grandson, wife and great-great-grandchildren James R. Cummins and Christy, Colton and Corby, of Havre, MT.
Great-grandson Jared M. Cummins and Christine of Honolulu, HI.
Great-grandson Jacob R. Cummins of Elk, WA.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Hazel Martin.
Brothers Harold and Max Martin.
Sisters Violet Hafer, Ruth Johnson and Ora Boehme.
Jim M. Cummins, beloved son-in law.
Thank you to Peaceful Valley Church, Fertile Valley Grange, Avalon Care Center Staff and his faithful friends Laurie, Lisa, Viola and his best gal friend Gail (spelled the same as mine).
Memorial donations can be made to Fertile Valley Grange.
To Sum it up - Hard Working Farmer - True Spiritual Believer.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday November 25th, 2012, at the Peaceful Valley Church.
Followed by a graveside service at Elk Cemetery #1.
A reception will follow the graveside service at the Peaceful Valley Church.
LAUER FUNERAL HOME, Deer Park WA.