In Memory

Grant Martin (Faculty)

 

Grant Martin

Obituary  Condolences
 
Grant Martin 7/26/1926~3/19/2006 "NAT" Grant Martin "coach" born in Oakley, Idaho to John S. Martin and Bertha Fairchild on July 26, 1926, passed away peacefully on March 19th 2006 with his loving family by his side in Salt Lake City, Utah. Grant Martin was a true legend and our hero. Devoted husband of fifty-seven years to Barbara. Strong and loving father to Rick and Torri (Matich). Treasured father-in-law to Mike Matich and Shawna Martin. Beloved grandfather ("Nat") to Eric Martin (Kari), Jacob Martin, Candice Martin, Brandon Matich (Andrea), Chris Matich and Jonny Matich. great grandfather to Whitney, Taylor and Luke Martin. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Rex, Johnny, Alta and Lavaun. Survived by sister Maxine Adams. Grant grew up a true competitor, playing football and basketball for Oakley High School, but it was his loving charismatic personality that made him a friend to all. His athletic talent led him to the University of Utah where he played football and went on to earn both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in education. His love for education took him to Jordan High school where he began his coaching and teaching career. In 1956 he became the head football coach at East High School, building on his legendary career by winning three State Championship titles and 12 Regional Championships. In his 23 years as coach he had 141 wins, 41 losses and four ties. He later was inducted into the Utah High School Coaches Hall of Fame. His coaching legacy will forever live on through the players he impacted. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army, during the Korean War. But through it all, his most noted accomplishments and happiest moments were spending time with his family. We will never forget our "coach" and "nat". His laugh, smile, and love will forever remain in our hearts. Services will be held on Thursday March 23, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 Highland Drive. Friends and family may call on Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family www.bmatich@pcschools.us. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations be made to the American Heart Association in Grant Martin's name. We would like to thank the nurses at St. Mark's hospital for their care and comfort.



 
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02/27/15 10:22 PM #1    

Jim Brinton

Prep Football: Former East coach Martin dies at 79
 
The Salt Lake Tribune  Published March 20, 2006 
Former East High football coach Grant Martin died of congestive heart failure on Sunday afternoon. He was 79.

Martin was the Leopards' football coach for 23 years and led East to three state titles and 12 region championships."He was loved by many and he touched a lot of lives," said Brandon Matich, who is Martin's grandson and Park City's football coach. "He had a big personality and he would grab attention when he entered a room." Martin had a legendary rivalry - and friendship - with former West coach Gean Plaga, who died in November.

NOTE: The obituary and this Salt Lake Tribune article we're both submitted by our classmate CREIGHTON WEST. Our thanks to him for doing such great research on a man whom we all remember and honor for his contribution to East High School.


02/28/15 01:36 PM #2    

Ann Rossert (Butler)

Coach Martin was one of my favorite teachers at East !... Albeit ...Drivers Education, he made it fun, fun, fun !!! He always remembered my name ( I guess because I was such an outstanding driver ?????)


03/23/15 09:32 PM #3    

Kent Hales

Grant Martin was an outstanding football coach whose football genius was a major part in our taking state. He took a team which was too small, too inexperienced, and slated to fight it out with West for the league cellar. He made us winners! Coach Martin was a master of Darrel Royal Field Position Football. I think one call illustrated that genius in the Highland game. We had gone three-and-out on our first two offensive series making only a couple of yards. Fortunately our great defense had stopped the Rams twice inside our own 5 yard line. On our first play on the next offensive series, we finally gained 5 yards --  all the way out to the10 yard line to make it second and 5. Coach Martin called for a quick kick. I called a time out and went over to the side line to let him know it was only second down. Coach, in his "calm and reassuring way",  let me know that he knew what the $&@&)#!  down was and to please get my $"&9/¥!  butt back out there and kick the "gosh darned ball"!!! Well, we did kick the ball as per Grant's inspired  request. It caught Highland totally by surprise. The ball rolled all the way down inside the Ram 10 yard line. Now Highland was huddling in their endzone. What a brilliant call! It led to our 34-0 shellacking of the defending state champions, and we never looked back on our way to the UofU stadium. In the Tribune the morning after we won State, Martin was called "more conservative than Barry Goldwater". We easily could have scored two more touchdowns had Coach allowed us to throw more than two passes. It took Bountiful seven downs to finally score on us from the 5 yard line uafter being stopped three times inside the 5 on previous posessions. But, that was Grant Martin football. DEFENSE! And, we were the State Champs!!!

Thank you COACH for all the memories. We miss you, and your colorful language only inspired us to play up to your standards.


03/24/15 10:41 AM #4    

Brent Cunningham

Coach Martin was such a great coach and wonderful teacher not just in the classroom but a
life teacher. I was lucky in the 80's to have played golf with him at Bonneville.
It is wonderful to be able to reminisce my memories at East, reading everyone's comments and remembering friendships. looking forward to the reunion in August.

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