Martin lived his life to the fullest. He was an air traffic controller, a union carpenter, a union executive, a skydiver, pilot, scuba diver, sailor, world traveler, Francophile, Buddhist, friend, lover and a selfproclaimed hippie.
Martin was born on June 17, 1953 in Columbus, Ohio to Evelyn and Martin Cole. At age three his family, including sister Lynn and brother George, moved to West Virginia where Martin graduated from Magnolia High School in 1971.
Martin then moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he completed a four- year carpenter’s apprenticeship, and for eight years was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. He continued to use those skills throughout his lifetime, renovating three homes and a cabin.
In 1980, Martin married Cindy Mikula and they relocated to Maryland. He became an air- traffic controller and worked at the Washington Enroute Air Traffic Control Center for 20 years. In his career he was most proud of his union work. Martin became a Union Representative in 1994, and in 1997 was the first American to be elected to the position of Executive Vice President – Technical in the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers. This two- year position afforded Martin world travel and the opportunity to meet wonderful people from around the world, many of whom remained friends throughout his life.
Although Martin and Cindy divorced, they remained lifelong friends. On a weekend trip to Nantucket in September 1991, Martin met Peter Kahl, the person who would become his life partner for 20 years. One year later to the day, Martin and Peter returned to Nantucket for a commitment ceremony. They resided in Maryland for 12 years until after Martin’s retirement in 2003, when they then moved to Bath, Maine. They spent eight years renovating their 162- year old home they shared with two beloved Weimaraners, first Hugo, then puppy, Paris.
When Martin’s health first began to decline, he required a liver transplant. Peter offered to be a living donor for Martin and together they had successful surgeries in November 2005.
Martin is survived by his life partner Peter Kahl, of Bath, Maine; his sister Lynn Stecklein, of Columbus, Ohio; his brother George Cole, of Youngstown, Ohio, and his nieces Christie Crow, Sunni Malek, and Erika Cole, and his great niece Monet. Martin’s extended family includes Peter’s parents, George and Jane Kahl, and his brothers in-law Paul Kahl, Jeffrey Kahl and wife Maureen, and Joseph Kahl and his wife Judy.
Martin had the gentlest of souls, and people gravitated toward him because he exuded kindness, warmth, and calm. He was loved and will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held on April 14th at the Maine Maritime Museum, time to be determined.
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