Aug. 23, 1949 – Sept. 24, 2014
Gary Allen Martin passed away peacefully at home is Carlsbad after a valiant fight with lung cancer surrounded by his loving partner Susan Daugherty, his son Drew Martin and his ex-wife Sue Martin. He was 65 and is survived by his son Drew Martin and his niece Tammie Hardasy Hupp. He will be greatly missed by his dearest Susan, his son Drew, his niece Tammy Hupp, her husband Eric and son Brandon, and Sue Martin. Preceded in death are his father Lloyd Martin, mother Pearl Martin and sister Linda Hardesty.
Gary was born in Iowa on August 23, 1949 where his father owned a small farm. The family moved to Sacramento, California when Gary was five years old. Gary helped with the family business, Martin’s Hardware store from the time he was 12 years old until he left for college. Gary attended Encino High School in Sacramento and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton California obtained both his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate degree in Pharmacy in 1976. Gary moved to Encinitas and started his 39 year career as a Pharmacy Manager for Sav-On Drugs.
Gary married Sue Lawry in 1986,they had their son Drew in 1991, divorcing in 1998. In July of 2001, Gary met Susan Daugherty and they began their lifelong relationship residing together since January 2010.
Gary loved traveling, entertaining , going to event gatherings and parties with friends and family and was always an enigmatic presence with a huge infectious laugh that will always be special in everyone’s hearts.
Gary was active in many associations outside of his professional career. In 2007, Gary became an Honorary Captain with the San Diego Sheriff’s Association and in 2011 became a member of the San Diego Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.
Gary’s passions were football & football memorabilia, snow skiing, white water rafting, hiking, group expeditions & the outdoors, wine tasting, and cheering with family & friends.
His favorite place to visit was Hawaii, which he last vacationed with Susan in October last year.
Gary was loved by everyone whose life he touched both professionally and personally. One friend wrote “His boisterous laughter, instinctive sense of humor and generous heart will always be remembered amongst many other honorable traits this wonderful man possessed. One of them is that he would always listen to you—no matter at what party, how in depth or off the wall your conversation may be—and pontificate as if it were a world study and end with a joke, oh so typical of an Irishman. Gary deeply loved his dear Susan, his son Drew, family and friends and deeply cared about people in general.
He was, and always will be loved and respected by so many. Soar high my friend, soar high.”
His memorial and “Celebration of Life” will be Tuesday October 7th, 2014 @ 4:30 at the Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, California.
