Martin K. Dykes

Martin Kimbal Dykes of Shoreline, Washington passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at the age of seventy.

Kim, or Kimbal as he was known by most, was a positive and happy presence in the lives of his loved ones. Husband, father, friend and extraordinary musician, Kim dearly loved his family, home life, friends, baseball, football and any opportunity to play or listen to music. He is survived by Janon - his wife and best friend of 46 years, his loyal sons Jonathan Dykes (Mallary) and Shane Dykes, his loving daughter Amanda Dodd (Eric), and his four beloved grandchildren, Gemma, Elijah, Blakely and Teagan. He is survived by his sister Lori Boe, and brothers Kent Dykes and Calvin Dykes (Sharon), and nieces Lexi Boe and Carrie Dykes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Janet Dykes, brother George Dykes and nephews Jason and Joshua Dykes.

Kim was born to Larry and Jan in Salt Lake City on November 30, 1953, and moved to Seattle with his family in 1964. His love of music was evident early when he was introduced to the ukulele followed by guitar at age four, then a fine new Martin New Yorker purchased by his dad from the C. F. Martin Factory for his tenth birthday. He was inspired and ever grateful to his high school music teachers, Roger McRae and Stuart Hunt, for encouraging his musical skills and expanding his knowledge. On graduation from high school Kim attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the direction of George Sakellariou, where he continued his study of composition and Spanish and classical guitar.

His professional career spanned fifty years with local, national and international appearances. Highlights of his career include the gift of an exquisite Ignacio Fleta guitar and his solo and ensemble performances across the US, Canada, Mexico, Baja California Sur, Costa Rica, Panama, Spain and France. Kim created Elan Records for the recording and distribution of original compositions and release of the LP and CD named The Ave. The album features original and classical compositions for classical, Spanish, and electric guitars with multiple instruments. Distribution and airplay reached all major markets and Kim was honored when a piece from The Ave. was used as the theme music by NPR on its weekly show Fresh Air. Elan Records was acquired by Music West Records which allowed further distribution of The Ave. in the US and Europe and greater air play. Kim especially delighted in meaningful encounters with professional musicians with whom he could talk of making and recording music: Pete Seeger, Joan Baez with Bob Dylan in SLC, Chet Atkins, guitarist John Williams, John Denver, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Steve Morse, Joey DeFrancesco, John McLaughlin, Carlos Montoya, Julian Bream, Aleksandr Eppler, and others.

Kim was a life-long avid baseball fan and followed the Mariners, watching nearly all games each season. As if heaven-sent, his children’s love of music and baseball were an enduring and fun connection. Kim treasured coaching baseball with his sons and boys of west Shoreline through Richmond Little League for several years and never missed a game after his coaching days came to a close. He was proud of the development of their skills, knowledge and love of the game and hoped their appreciation of baseball would last a lifetime.

Old friends were always close in his heart and mind as though they spoke on a daily basis. A heartfelt thanks to his many long-term friends over the years. It gave him great pleasure to speak of his friends and their shared experiences.

We are thankful to Kim’s compassionate healthcare team at Swedish Hospital. He was so grateful for your care and kindness.

The family is currently making plans for a celebration of life, and further details will be shared soon. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Kim and his family.