Kenneth Edward Martin

Kenneth Edward Martin passed away peacefully in his temporary residence at Brookdale Senior Living in Lodi, CA having been comforted knowing that his family members were with him. Ken was preceded in death in 2013 by his wife and the love of his life, Cyndi - they enjoyed 50 wonderful years together and leave behind children Barbara Pedlow (Lee) of Ramona, CA; Stephen Martin (Amy) of Truckee, CA and Mark Martin (also Amy) of Lodi, CA; eight grandchildren: Meagan Vorndran (Kyle), Ian, Cori, Kelly Casanova (Daniel), Max, Jack, Ben and John; two great-grandchildren: Kaden and Macie Vorndran; (sister Nancy Martin predeceased in 2024); cousin Judy Gagner of Corona, CA and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and caring neighbors and friends. Soon to turn 86 years, Ken lived a life loving and enjoying the great outdoors. Born in San Luis Obispo to Hilda Roza Martin and Edward Faria Martin both of whose ancestors were from the same island of Pico in the Azores, Ken was raised in San Luis Obispo at the base of Madonna Mountain. As a child, Ken was an altar boy at the Mission San Luis Obispo where he attended grammar school, went to San Luis Obispo High School and graduated from Humboldt State where he met Cyndi. Married on February 2, 1963, Ken and Cyndi lived at Morro Bay and Calaveras Big Trees State Parks where Ken was a Ranger before settling in Sacramento in 1969 to raise their family near Sacred Heart Parish and school. As a father, he was dedicated to his family having shared his love of camping, hunting and fishing with them. He also enjoyed being a part of his kids’ sports: volleyball, soccer; he started East Sacramento’s first youth soccer team, coached their baseball teams and never missed an opportunity to watch his sons play football for Jesuit. Hunting dogs were also a big part of his life. From Ken’s beloved black lab, Julie and her puppies, to the later German wire hair members Ghia, Heidi, Gus and prize-winning show dog Cody, Ken enjoyed training his reliable field companions. Nearing his retirement from the State in 2001, Ken and Cyndi had worked together to design and build their dream home in the California foothills near Plymouth, finding a friendly and supportive community of great friends amongst the beauty of the oaks and rolling green hills. Ken realized his cowboy dream in retirement and lived his best rancher’s life riding their horses, tending to his barn and fields, helping with cattle roundups, and introducing his grandchildren to life around the pens and pastures. When not home in his work boots and suspenders, Ken (with Cyndi) would travel to visit their adult children and spend holidays together, attending grandchildren’s games, theater and music productions, graduations and all other milestones that make grandparents proud. As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ken will be remembered most for his love of nature, hard work, dedication to the church and a genuine love and appreciation for his family. His guidance will be greatly missed by all. A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Monday, January 12th at the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa followed by a burial ceremony at the family plot in the Old Mission Cemetery in San Luis Obispo, CA. On Saturday, March 14th @ 11am, there will be a Celebration of Life at “Gather” in downtown Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Old Mission Cemetery, SLO. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.reisfamilymortuary.com and signing the guest book.

Kenneth Edward Martin

January 12, 1940 - December 20, 2025