Millard Frederick Martin, Jr. "Sonny"

Sonny Martin, 78, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 13th, surrounded by close family and friends. He bravely fought pancreatic cancer for 15 months. Sonny was born on August 29, 1945, in Lancaster, NH to the late Millard Martin, Sr. and Louise (Hodgdon) Martin. Their Holstein farm, known to the family as “The Farm,” was where he began learning the importance of hard work, starting at the age of eight, hauling sawdust. He continued to work on the farm all through his youth and early adulthood, even as he was attending college. Not surprisingly, many stories have also been heard about him getting into mischief on the farm as well. He said over the years that there was no better place to grow up than Lancaster.

Sonny was a graduate of Lancaster High School, class of 1963. He earned an associate degree in animal science from the Thompson School of Applied Science at the University of New Hampshire. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science there as well. He met Diane Richardson Prescott from Rindge, NH, on a blind date, while attending there. They lived in Lee and Littleton, NH, finally settling in Lancaster, building a house on property gifted to them by his parents. After graduating, he taught Vocational Agriculture for seven years at White Mountains Regional High School. In 1977, at the suggestion of his father, he opened Martin’s Agway, a farm, home and garden business. Sonny and Diane operated their store for 39 years, where they enjoyed visiting with their customers.

Sonny loved the outdoors. He spent a lot of time in the woods “across the road” from his home and the family farm. He felt it important to be a steward of the land as his father had been. He was an avid rifle and bow hunter, and he loved sharing stories of his adventures in nature. In November of 1986, the headline of the Coos County Democrat read “He Bagged Wild Boar, Skeptics Too” when he shot a wild boar on his property. He had been telling people that he believed he had seen signs of one, and few believed him until the day he shot it. Sonny was a kid at heart. He believed in family traditions, hosting an annual Fourth of July barbeque with fireworks as the finale, and a family bonfire at Christmastime.

He had a strong passion for local and national politics and would debate at will. He was not shy about striking up a conversation with anyone, discussing just about anything. He was a long-time member of the Lancaster Zoning Board and the Lancaster Housing Authority. He was quietly generous, and he got great enjoyment in giving to others. He loved flying his ultralight, cross-country skiing, traveling, and fixing up his red Ford Mustang.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, and two daughters, Kimberley Martin and husband Todd Jordan of Lancaster, and Brooke Martin and husband Andy Walker of Meadville, PA; two grandsons: Tate and Isaac Walker; four sisters: Janet Martin of Somersworth, Virginia “Ginny” Martin (Ken Barnes) of Contoocook, Susan Wallace (Rob Johnston) of Exeter, RI, and Patricia Martin (Rick Moog) of Downingtown, PA; sisters-in-law Muriel Martin of Guildhall and Sylvia Martin of Manchester; nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers: John Martin, Richard “Stretch” Martin, Glenn Martin; and brother-in-law David Wallace.

Calling hours will be on December 27th from 3:30-6:30pm at Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster. A memorial service will be held on December 28th at 11:00am at the Essex County Meeting House (Guildhall Church) in Guildhall, VT with a reception to follow at the Guild Hall. Life Cycle celebrant Deborah Szauter will officiate. Donations in Sonny’s honor can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.