Bernard Robert Martin

Bernard Robert Martin, 85, of Lake Wales, Florida, died Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at his home.

He was born and raised in the Rochester, NY area and graduated from Lima High School. He entered service in the U.S. Navy at age 17. He was a plank owner on the USS Midway and also served on the USS Proteus during WWII. He earned a bachelor of science in education degree from SUNY Geneseo where he was a member of Kappa Delta Pi national honorary society in education. Later, he was recalled to service during the Korean conflict for three years.

Bernie operated his own Los Angeles, CA independent insurance adjusting firm, B.R. Martin Co., for 54 years. His work on major casualty losses led him to become a small aircraft pilot and he flew his Cessna planes from Alaska to Florida and most points in between.

A Renaissance man, he became skilled at several hobbies (bowling, golf, rock hunting, computer technology and photography) and he was remarkable for his broad and current knowledge on wide-ranging topics. He was a resource whom family, friends and clients readily consulted for problem solving.

In 1999, he and his wife began a gradual move into retirement in Lake Wales where he enjoyed the life of a gentleman citrus grower while also lending his talents to local charitable organizations. He served as vice president, treasurer and president of Ridge Audubon Society in Babson Park. He was appreciated for his skilled portrait and nature photography and frequently donated his services as event photographer for local groups. His donation of framed prints of famous paintings helped launch the 2005 Art-in-Schools project of the Lake Wales Branch of the American Association of University Women, which continues today.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Bruns Martin, sisters Adele Bright of Lake Wales and Sylvia Montroy (John) of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by three children, Les Cordes of Minnesota, Therese Martin Newgard of California and Michael A. Martin (Thu Van) of Nevada. He had one grandchild, Robert Daniel Newgard.

The family is grateful for the extraordinary care and kindness extended during his illness.

Memorial gatherings of family and friends will be held at later dates.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernie’s memory may be made to the Art-in-Schools project of the American Association of University Women, Lake Wales FL Branch or to Ridge Audubon Society, Babson Park.