“Absolutely devastating news,” said Tim Minotas, Michigan Chapter legislative and political director “All the way back to when I was an intern in 2013, I got to know Marty very well. Marty was such a kind-hearted, compassionate and passionate person who gave so much of himself to this organization and the causes he cared deeply about. We are incredibly fortunate to have had him as part of our Sierra Club family for so many years. His presence, dedication, and heart will be deeply missed.”
“One of my favorite people. He exuded love for everyone.” - Jean Gramlich
“This is such sad news - Marty was always so upbeat and supportive. He will be missed deeply.” - Elayne Coleman, chapter director.
“I just searched for the last email I, at least, received from Marty. It was to the members of the Legislative Committee, and of course, in Marty-like fashion, he highly praised Tim’s (Minotas) work on data centers (he was always shining his light on others, spotlighting their work). He let us know that he expected to be back in the saddle soon after a relatively minor medical procedure. He ended that ordinary-for-Marty-but-not-so-ordinary email with: ‘I am very pleased to serve on the Michigan Chapter's Legislative and Political Committees. And I hope to continue in these roles for some time.’
“Those lines set off a river of tears.
“I will miss him. Always smiling, always kind. One of the most genuinely good souls I have ever had the honor of meeting and working with. Godspeed, Marty.” - Cheryl Ruble
“Marty’s death is a shock and a tremendous loss to me and, indeed, all Chapter members. Marty was a smart, talented, generous and dedicated person who used his skills to advance the causes that all of us are working for.
“I will remember him as a friend with a wonderful personality and a deep sense of community and a professional and patient approach towards protecting and improving our natural patrimony. I will deeply miss his presence.” - Richard Morley Barron
“A shocking loss of this wonderful person!! He had such a caring attitude for others and the environment. Very sad.” - Carol Graham Banes
“Oh, this is truly sad news! Marty was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed his very informational posts!! My heart is with his family!!” - Kathy English
“What an incredible loss. I am so saddened and shocked to read this update. Marty's presence, voice and positive contributions at our meetings, Sierra Club events and just out in the world will be missed by so many. Sending love to all.” - Yousef Rabhi
“I'm so saddened to hear this. Marty was a family friend for decades, exceptionally kind, and a truly impactful environmentalist.” - Andrew Sarpolis
“Terribly sad news. Marty will be missed deeply.” - Tammy Graves
“Such unbelievably sad news. One of the best things of our Lobby Days was pretty much always getting to see and chat with Marty. He was someone who was truly a compassionate person.....always interested in what you were doing and showing concern for others.” - Jan O’Connell
“That friendly, decent man. A beautiful soul.” - James D’Amour
“Marty was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known - he brought joy to everything he did, and had a smile on his face as he stood up against polluters, lobbied legislators and spoke up for the future. We were blessed by his presence for too short a time.” - Anne Woiwode
“Marty was one of the first Excom members I met and chatted with at my first in-person board meeting. His warmth and genuine curiosity was incredibly welcoming and inviting whenever he was in a space. There is a man who sells sketches at the coffee shop below my apartment and lately they have mostly been of Port Huron scenery which always made me think of Marty.” - Cara Beld
“It's clear that Marty lived a consistent ethic of compassion and service to many. His memory will always be a blessing.” - Mary Rouleau
“Marty was one of the first volunteers I met when joining the staff over 15 years ago. His warm smile and gentle kindness were welcoming. He never shied away from hard work or difficult conversations. If there was a task that needed to be done, he would appear like Batman responding to the Bat Signal. My favorite part of Lobby Day and in person Executive Committee meetings was catching up with Marty. He genuinely cared and took time to check in and ask “how are you doing, really?”. This loss will be felt deeply by many for a long time to come.” - Cecilia Garcia-Linz
‘Marty was an outstanding environmentalist. What made him so great was his deep respect for the natural world. He was on just about every committee of the Michigan Chapter. Anytime I needed help with a project or attending a township meeting Marty was there. To me, most importantly he was a dear friend that will be sorely missed.” - Mike Buza