Burhl Eugene Martin Obituary (1942

Burhl Eugene (Gene) Martin, beloved husband, father, and papa passed away peacefully on March 24, 2018 at his home. Gene was born April 12, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Burhl and Maxine Martin. Gene was a life long resident of Yakima, graduating in 1960 from Eisenhower High School. After graduation he found his calling working part-time with his dad, Chief Martin, at the Broadway Fire Department. Gene was hired by the Yakima Fire Department on May 1, 1964. In 1974, he was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain in 1979, Battalion Chief in 1987 and Deputy Chief in 1988. He also served as acting Fire Chief. Gene retired in 2000 with 36 years of service. He was one of the first from Yakima to graduate from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was active in training other firefighter's airport firefighting techniques at Big Ben Community College in Moses Lake. Gene also served the citizens as a Fire Commissioner with the West Valley Fire Department from 1984 to 1990. He was on the Board of Directors for the Yakima Valley Credit Union from March of 1982 to February of 1988, serving as President in 1985. He was a very hard-working man and provider, who owned a painting company, fencing company, and managed apartment buildings. In 1973, Gene married Sherry Simmons-Arstein. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on October. Gene is best described as a good, kind hearted, soft spoken man who deeply loved his family. Over the years he was a very supportive father to his 5 sons, participating in their events and many activities. He coached two soccer teams, the Shaw and Son's Maulers 1 and 2. Becoming a grandfather was a huge event in his life, earning him the rank of 'Proud Papa'. Papa took great pride in keeping 'Papa's Pool' sparkling clean and ready for their enjoyment. Race cars! Race cars! Race carsGene was an avid fan! In his younger days he was an accomplished race car driver at the local tracks. Gene felt blessed when he realized his dream of attending NASCAR races. He also enjoyed working on his vintage Broncos. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Mark Arstein and great niece, Madison Jo Gecho. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, sons Kevin (Chelsea) of Minnesota, Kip (Shawna) of Alberta, Canada, Mark of St. Helens, Oregon, Tim (Jennifer) and Anthony, both of Yakima. Grandchildren Makayla, Sophia, Katie, Blake, Mallory, Trenton and Chase. His sister, Joann (Rick) Machon of Henderson, Nevada, mother-in-law, Geraldine Arstein of Yakima and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held April 2, 2018 at 1:00 PM at West Valley Fire Station #51 (10000 Zier Rd, Yakima, WA 98908). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Yakima Valley Fire and Injury Prevention Association in support of the children's fire safety E.D.I.T.H. program in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.brooksidefhc.com. SERVICES Funeral service Monday, April 02, 2018 1:00 PM West Valley Fire Station # 51 ,