LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Ronald Martin, beloved husband of Eileen Martin, father, friend, member and church leader of Saint John's Episcopal Church, Lakeport, passed away on Nov. 21, 2015.

He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on Jan. 17, 1936, to George and Ruth Martin.

His family, including Ron's brother, David, lived in both Ohio and West Virginia. They moved frequently back and forth between the two states to keep a close relationship with both paternal and maternal grandmothers. Ron took pleasure in describing what life was like then and in telling stories of the hijinks and mischief he got into while he was growing up.

When Ron was 14, his father found work at Kaiser Steel and his family moved to Fontana, Calif. His brother Michael was born there.

He met his wife Eileen in Fontana. They were married on May 1, 1956, and were inseparable for the next 59 years.

Ron followed in his father's footsteps and took a job at age 18 with Kaiser Steel where he worked as an electrician. He also worked in the high desert small town of Ora Grande at a cement factory.

He and Eileen moved to Kelseyville when he was hired at Homestake Gold Mine where he became a general foreman. He retired in 2003. Ron served in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Ron loved trains and helping others in any way he could. He was a leader of the Sea Scouts and both Boy and Cub Scout troops.

Over the years he faithfully served Saint John's Episcopal Church as both Junior and Senior Warden, in a variety of liturgical roles including Licensed Lay Preacher, and in countless hours of finding ways to make people's lives better with the food pantry and other ministries.

Ron served as chaplain to the Kelseyville Fire Department and at Sutter Lakeside Hospital, where he spent many nights at the bedsides of patients offering encouragement and prayers.

Ron was preceded in death by his son George and granddaughter Laci. He is survived by his wife Eileen, their children Roleen, Teresa and Robert, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held on Jan. 17, 2016, at Saint John's at 10 a.m. on what would be his 80th birthday. Holy Eucharist will be held at this time.

Donations for the family can be sent to Saint John's Episcopal Church, 1190 N. Forbes St. Lakeport, CA 95453.