Roll Call Tribute

Merle Phillip Martin 

December 30, 1936 - December 7, 2023 

Merle Phillip "Mel" Martin, PhD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 7th at Hospice of Spokane's Hospice House. Known as "Doc" by his friends and loved-ones, Merle was born on December 30, 1936, in San Francisco, CA. He attended elementary school and George Washington High School in San Francisco where he was active in band and high school track.

Over his 86 years, Mel created a varied and impressive education and career. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from UC Berkley, CA. Mel graduated from Stanford with a master's degree in computer science in 1964. His doctorate degree took him to Texas A&M University where he graduated in 1984. 

Mel served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1959 where he was stationed on a remote post on Fire Island, AK working on an innovative intranet to connect the island. He would end his military career with the distinguished rank of Lt. Colonel. Mel was a teacher at heart and was professor and mentor to hundreds of college students in many states. He worked as professor in what were the early years of University of Alaska, Anchorage, was associate professor in Starkville, MS and ultimately served as Department Chair at Long Beach State and California State University at Sacramento. In the 1990s Mel traveled to Vladivostok, Russia as a visiting professor where he taught project management in the Russian far east.

He met his wife Dotty in Alaska in the late 1970s where they were both members of DPMA (Data Processing Management Association). They married in Starkville, MS, and spent many adventurous years together. Mel wrote Dotty little love notes every morning on a post-it, left for her to be read with her morning coffee. They traveled to Paris and Thailand together on trips related to Mel's university work. They were both also incredibly involved in running the magazine Remodel Spokane, created by stepdaughter Cindra. Mel interviewed local homeowners on their projects and authored articles to chronicle many of Spokane's impressive remodels. Mel wrote and published numerous books of memoirs (one with daughter Libby) and poetry. He was a wonderful poet and wrote pieces that described his life, travels, and emotions. Mel was often asked to be the "poet-laureate" for important family events and remembrances.

Even with all his distinguished accomplishments, Mel had a funny and mischievous side. Somewhere along the way "the fruitcake wars" began and ran for years. Mel absolutely hated fruitcakes and sent them to relatives with great glee, who in turn would try to get even by returning the favor. You can bet the family will sneak a fruitcake or two into his memorial service.

Mel spent his last three years with other elders at Cozy Place in Spokane Valley. And of course, there is a story titled "Katie's Cozy Place" to describe his gratitude for that home. He made the best of life, even though he used a wheelchair for his last years. He continued to write and refine his poetry and was known to hold performances-one man shows, including song, stories, quips and naturally, poetry.

Mel was a highly spiritual man. He now joins those who preceded him in death including his mother Irene, father Larry, brother Harry, first wife Patricia, third wife Dotty and stepdaughter Cindra.

He is survived by his daughter Libby, son Michael, dear friends and caregivers Natasha and Brooke (who took incredible care of him after the death of his wife Dotty), stepchildren Victor, Collette, Cathlene, and Machelle, as well as a myriad of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of life with full military honors will be held in the spring of 2024. Arrangements are being handled by Hennessey Funeral Home (Division Street). Donations in "Doc's" memory can be sent to Hospice of Spokane.