UNOLS Mourns the Loss of Bill Martin

UNOLS Mourns the Loss of Bill Martin (University of Washington)

RVTEC Chair and UNOLS Council Member

1956 - 2008

Bill Martin, Chair of the UNOLS Research Vessel Technical Enhancement Committee (RVTEC) and a member of UNOLS Council passed away as the result of a heart attack on Friday, October 10, 2008. He was at sea doing what he loved doing, supporting ocean research off the coast of Hawaii on board the Research Vessel Thomas G. Thompson. He was 51 years old.

Bill worked with the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography since 1987 and was the manager of their Sea-going Science Support Group. The scientific users of the UW ships benefited greatly by the technical support that Bill provided to their oceanographic research projects.

In addition to Bill’s activities at UW, he generously volunteered his time and leadership to the national oceanographic community. Bill served two terms as Chair of the RVTEC and in this role Bill worked tirelessly to fairly represent the interests of sea-going marine technicians and their activities. He devoted many hours and expertise to issues that included shipboard safety, training, instrumentation, technical service levels, and technician retention. Bill’s passion, integrity, and devotion to oceanographic technical services were at the highest level.

Bill will be missed immeasurably by the many people whose lives and work were influenced by his efforts and support of science operations at sea.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.

Services will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Chapel
11111 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA US 98133
206-362-5200

<http://obit.evergreen-washelli.com/obitdisplay.html?id=592067&listing=Current>

Bill Martin - Memory Book

The UNOLS Office is preparing a memory book that will compile the many heartfelt messages that have been received regarding the passing of Bill Martin. If you would like to include a message and/or photograph of Bill in the book, please send it to <office at unols dot org>. If sending a photograph, a caption is appreciated. The book will be available for signing at the upcoming RVTEC meeting on October 28-30, 2008.

UNOLS will present the memory book to Bill Martin’s family so that Bill’s children, grandchildren, and other family members will gain a better understanding of Bill’s many contributions to the support of oceanographic science. The book will surely convey the community’s respect and appreciation that we have had for Bill and his devotion to ocean research.