Each day as I do my Christmas readings I think of Jack and what preparation is like in the other world. With no time and space maybe everyday is peace at joy we feel with the advent. Love you Jack, enjoy your discoveries.

OBITUARY for newspaper Jack Martin, age 82, died on November the 29th, 2014. He had been suffering the results of a stroke since 2005, and in December of 2013 was diagnosed with terminal cancer. One year later he began hospice care. He died quietly while at his home at 2303 Centennial Station, Warminster, PA. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Raquel (Sellner) Martin and their two children: Erik Martin of Huntingdon Valley, PA and Marie Martin NyBlom of Canoga Park, CA. Jack will be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren, Anna, Leah, Ariel, Sarah, and Eli Martin from Huntingdon Valley; and Elena and Vanessa NyBlom from California. His daughter-in-law, Rachel (Genzlinger) Martin, worked tirelessly throughout Jack's illness to bring relief and provide much needed support. Jack is a graduate of the University of Colorado. After retiring from IBM in 1988 after 29 years of service, he continued to remain busy, especially as a skilled carpenter and loyal church worker. He served as treasurer of the Atlanta New Church for 17 years, and was a member of the Board of Directors. Mostly, though, he enjoyed serving as the head of church maintenance and organizing work parties. Jack believed, as his life demonstrated and as his church taught, that "the kingdom of heaven is a kingdom of useful service." Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Rd, in Bryn Athyn, PA on Saturday the 27th of December at 4:00 pm. Donations in Jack's memory can be made to: The Morning Star Chapel 2780 Bethany Bend Alpharetta, GA 30004

On Nov. 29, 2014, my dear Dad made his transition out of this life. He suffered a lot after his stroke in 2005, and now his pain is over. As my brother Erik said, watching this strong and generous man who was always working to help others suddenly lose the ability to serve or even to walk was incredibly heart-wrenching. I cherish my memories of the man with a heart as big as his hugs, who gave me my love of nature and gardening and Cape Hatteras and always a safe place in the world, who built a tree fort for my brother and me, who always greeted me with "Hey Sugar!" and a bear hug, who cradled my newborn daughters, hid Easter eggs for them when they were toddlers, took them for walks, and "wrestled" them on the floor. I will miss you dad, and always remember our road trips, your big laughter, and all the joy you gave me and the rest of your family and friends.