Martin Lawrence Jacobson

Martin Lawrence Jacobson October 24th 1934 - April 9th 2015 Age 80 Originally from Cashmere, WA, Martin's family, father; Chester, mother; Lois Lawrence Jacobson moved to Seattle when he was 5 years old. Martin was the oldest and last survivor of four children, two sisters and one brother; Gilla Bachellerie Jacobson, Marion Gentry Jacobson and David Jacobson. Age 12, commuting by bicycle from home in Seattle and sleeping at the top of Snoqualmie Pass, Martin would ride to his grandparents’ home in Cashmere, then pick apples for money before bicycling back home. The newspaper route he held at Lake Washington was much closer to home. A graduate of Franklin High School, Martin had many interests throughout his life; limited hydroplane racing, ballroom dance instructor, Kirby salesman, surfing in California and a certified welder at various shipyards. Martin met and married Toni Sanders in 1960. That’s when Martin became a cowboy/farmer, riding horses, roping and herding cattle, delivering calves and hunting. Together they would build a miniature farm in Federal Way WA, on 4 1/2 acres. Martin built a large red barn/hayloft with matching garage because of course, he was a great mechanic, too, who would pass his vast knowledge of mechanics onto his son, Jim. After their small house burnt down just before Christmas of 1970, Toni found a house she liked in Puyallup, so naturally Martin had it moved to Federal Way, set it on a daylight basement that he built turning it into a 2 story, 3000sq foot home with a wraparound deck. At that time Martin enjoyed rebuilding two way radios which enabled him to communicate to many people from around the world. Not much later, he would get a fishing boat to explore the Puget Sound gathering shrimp, crab, oysters, squid and yes, fish. The next adventure was playing on snowmobiles (Exciters) in Ellensburg, Ravensdale area where he was hard to keep up with. Literally! Martin’s primary occupation was one of the last Blacksmiths at Kaiser Aluminum located in Tacoma. He fabricated many different tools working with forges, metals and just being creative for about 30 years. In 1990, Martin and Toni moved to 25 acres in Longbranch where they began raising ostriches. "Rumplefeather Ranch" hatching 78 live chicks in one year proving to be an exciting, profitable adventure. After retiring from raising birds, they both became Master Gardeners. Together they built a woodshop and Toni kept Martin busy remodeling bathrooms, the living room, etc. In Martin's spare time he loved playing cards including solitaire and pinochle. Occasionally, he would let someone "have a mercy win" so they kept coming back to play. Martin went to the YMCA daily to play racquetball, enjoying the facility and visiting with his many friends. Martin loved his family. He is survived by wife Toni of 55 years, two children, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great- nieces and cousins. Son: James Jacobson and daughter-in-law, Jana of Port Orchard, WA; their two children Alex Jacobson, married to Ashley; their three children: Phoenix, Grace and Bettie. Daughter Emily Jacobson, married to Aaron Fisher; their two children, Eleanor and Asa. Daughter: Darcy Jacobson Peterson and son-in-law, Troy Peterson of Lake Tapps; their two children: Jacob and Dylan. Martin L Jacobson had a bright smile, kind words and a big hug for most people he came across. He embraced life and had the best attitude and sense of humor of anyone you could ever hope to meet. He was wise, honest, patient, quick witted, kind, loving, non- judgmental, adventurous and strong in every way. To know him was to love him, he was the best of the best. Martin's quote: If your not having fun, your not doing it with enough enthusiasm. Memorial Service will be held on May 30th. Saturday at 2:00 pm. Longbranch Community Church 16518 46th Street KPS Longbranch WA 98351 Reception to follow Contributions may be made to; The assisted living fund at Mustard Seed located in Longbranch, WA.