David Ross Martin, 87, of Sequim, Washington, died October 28 after an extended illness. David was born on August 2, 1934, in Compton, California, to the late Lois Neese and Paul Martin, and had a younger sister, Diane.

As a youth, David was active in a local choir group where he met lifelong friend, Allan McMillan. David loved the Pacific Ocean; he frequently took the train from Compton to Long Beach and would spend the day at the beach surfing or swimming at the Officer's Club which his father became a member when he was an officer in the Second World War.

David attended Compton High School and then enrolled at the age of 17 at Stanford University, when it cost $220/semester, where his options were to become a doctor, lawyer or a dentist. After transferring to USC, he graduated from its School of Dentistry and then served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant to practice dentistry.

In 1958, after a brief courtship David married Cynthia Heth on his birthday. They built a life in San Diego where David had a dental practice in El Cajon and completed his dental career while working in partnership in La Jolla with family friend, Alan Wellington. David and Cynthia were proud parents to Scott (1962-1986), Dru (1965), Nohl (1970), Shaine (1974), Anthony (1976), Amy (1983), Travis (1984), and Katrina (1985) and grandchildren Jackson, Adrian, Julia, Connor, Riley, Sofia, Zachary, Natalie, Sydney, Mila, Kaiden and Ava. David retired from dentistry at 45 to be a stay-at-home dad, manage their rental properties, become chief handyman and cook, and manage stock market investments.

In 1989, David and Cynthia moved to Sequim. David tended their 20-acre parcel with great care and the eye of an artist, and supported Cynthia in the creation and direction of the nonprofit Parenting Matters Foundation, which provides parenting information through its First Teacher newsletter and program. David was so proud that Cynthia writes a weekly column for the local newspaper, The Sequim Gazette. David and Cynthia loved the Sequim community. David was very involved with creating The Children's Playground and enjoyed daily lunches out on the town.

David loved Cynthia with a true and undying love. They were the loves of each other's lives. They enjoyed holding hands and walking to the mailbox together daily. Another way that they nurtured their marriage were frequent lunch and dinner dates. David was Cynthia's favorite dentist.

David had a big personality, which can be seen in the humor of his children. Family times included ski vacations to Mammoth, traveling around the Pacific Northwest, working in the yard. He was a sensitive man and loved his family and friends deeply. Alzheimer's struck in his mid-70's, which resulted in him needing full-time care in 2017.

David is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Cynthia, his children and their spouses, and 12 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Diane, and his son Scott. A celebration of David's life is planned for December 10, 2021 at the Cedars of Dungeness Golf Club. Donations can be made to Martin Family

Foundation which is a Memorial fund to honor David Martin's life – donations will go towards Brain Research and Alzheimer's Association of Washington. The link is https://bit.ly/david-martin.

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles was entrusted with his arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for his family at www.drennanford.com .