Dave was born June 28, 1942 to Virginia and Richard Martin in Los Angeles, California. He passed away at home in Helena, Montana August 5, 2024, having lived a long life well spent, filled with family, friends and memorable experiences.

During WWII, while his father was in the military, Dave lived in Covina, California with his mother and maternal grandparents and his mother's family who remained a particularly important part of his life. While living in Covina, he watched the trains go by transporting soldiers.  This experience led to his lifelong love of trains.

Dave grew up in Pasadena, California, graduating from Pasadena High School in 1960 and from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor's Degree in History.  Moving to Menlo Park, California in 1966, he took a job as a librarian in the Palo Alto Public Library system, working there for several years.  Still looking for something different, he set off to see the country with his first wife, Barbara, getting as far as Minnesota, then returning to live in Morro Bay, California and taking a break to travel for several months all over Mexico.

Deciding that library work suited him, and wanting to make it a career, he went to the University of Denver, graduating with a Master's Degree in Library Science. There, his first daughter, Cristina, was born in 1975.  He loved the mountains and the climate in Colorado, and deciding he wanted to experience life in a similar, but less populous place, he moved his growing family to Helena, Montana where he began his professional career at the Montana State Library. His second daughter, Karen "Ren" was born in Helena in 1977.  After working for several years at the State Library he moved to the Department of Commerce's Census and Economic Information Center (CEIC). This move proved to be very fortuitous because no one could have created a more perfect job for Dave. He was a natural with geography,  statistics and research.  He also met Patcharin Williams, as she later moved to CEIC from the State Library. This was all the beginning of a second life.  Dave worked at CEIC until he retired.

Dave was loyal to his friends and got together for a guy's trip with his college buddies every year for almost 25 years. They referred to themselves as GOBz (Good Old Boyz). He got together with his Men's Group in Helena every Thursday for almost 40 years as well.  Dave also loved listening to his "tunes",  researching and sharing new information with family and friends, photography, old cars (he owned a 1939 Pontiac Coupe and a 1940 LaSalle), travel and maps. He had the eye of an artist and that showed in his photography.

Dave was a kind and gentle person who was truly loved by his daughters, family and friends. He and Cristina shared a love of music. They could spend hours discussing the topic. Over the years, he amassed quite a collection of world music. He always looked forward to seeing Cristina and her family when they visited Montana from her home in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. Ren and Dave found time to catch up during long walks, an occasional hike, multiple camping adventures, or over a meal. He would visit her and his grandkids in Missoula, Montana every month like clockwork.

In 2004, Dave married Patcharin, the love of his life. Her two kids, Travis and Noel, were very special to him. Travis spent many holidays with them in Helena and Dave always appreciated their long conversations.  Noel's son, Lucas, came and stayed with them a few summers. Dave really enjoyed having him around to liven things up. It was a nice change from their usual quiet evenings spent at home. Quality time with Patcharin was a highlight of his day. He also delighted in good food and would rave about her Thai cooking. She was by his side when he passed away.

He is survived by his wife Patcharin, daughters Cristina Meadows (Sean) and Ren Regan (Mike); grandchildren, Cameron and Sidney Meadows and Chase and Presley Regan, his step-children and their children Travis (Kim) Williams, Noel Williams, Hadley and Nolan Williams and Lucas Williams-Knobel, his nieces, Ashley Powell and Alison Witt; his cousins, Carol Webber, Cissy Whitmire and Melinda Mendel; a few of the original GOBz and Men's Group friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia & Richard Martin; his only brother, Ron Martin, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dave loved his cats. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in his name to AniMeals which was one of his favorite nonprofit organizations. 1700 Rankin Street Missoula, MT 59808

https://www.animeals.com/donate-in-memory-of

Cremation has taken place. The Celebration of David R. Martin's  Life will take place on Sunday, Sept 29th, 2024 at 2 pm, Fellowship Hall (Downstairs) at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 80 E Lawrence Street, Helena, MT.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.