HAMLIN and FRANKLIN, N.C. Alan James Martin, 49, of Sapphire, N.C., died April 9, 2007, as a result of an early morning plane crash in western North Carolina. He was born Nov. 6, 1957, in Caribou, the son of Ronald and Della (Deveau) Martin, formerly of Hamlin. Alan was raised on the family farm in Hamlin and attended Van Buren schools. He was a graduate of Van Buren District High School. Alan was a staff sergeant and tank commander in the U.S. Army, and served with distinction for 10 years. He was a property manager for E.L.D. Properties for the past 17 years. Alan will be remembered for his love of life and his fearless attitude, which he demonstrated through his boundless energy and love for adventure. His many hobbies included riding his Harley, scuba diving, boat-ing, shooting, dirt bike racing and traveling. He was also a devoted, son, brother and friend, and was always available to lend his time and his attention to those he loved. Fittingly, Alan died alongside one of his closest friends, Damien O’Neill. In addition to his parents, Ronald and Della Martin of Van Buren, Alan is survived by his faithful and beloved boykin spaniel, Roscoe; three brothers, Ronald P. Martin of Boca Raton, Fla., Kevin Martin and wife, Denise, of New Britain, Conn., and Carl Martin and wife, Jodi, of Hiram, Ga.; three sisters, Jean Martin of Caribou, Ruth Morrow of Rochester, N.H., and Monica Bearden of Presque Isle; 10 nieces and nephews, and one great-nephew. Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 1, and 9 a.m. Saturday, June 2, until time of service, at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church with Alan’s uncle, Fr. Adhemar Deveau, OMI, celebrant. Interment will be in the family lot at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hamlin.
ALAN J. MARTIN
