Edwin Ulric Martin

Edwin Ulric Martin (Jr.) of Farmington Hills, MI passed away on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 after reaching the age of 88 years old.

Edwin (Ed) was born on May 9th, 1934 in Redford, MI as the youngest of 4 children to Edwin Ulric Martin and Ellen Maude Coughlin. While in high school, Ed joined the Sacred Heart Seminary. Following this, he attended the University of Detroit before becoming employed as a bricklayer.

In 1957 Ed was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where he earned the rank of Corporal and served as the editor of the Eielson Friendly Time’s newspaper. Fresh from the army, Ed met the love of his life, Jean, who he fondly referred to as “Jeannie”. They were both standing up in a friend’s wedding at the time. Struck by Ed’s kind heart and witty humor, Jean was able to see beyond his “square” crew cut and military fashion sense. She accepted his request for a date and they married a year later.

Ed and Jean were married for 62 love-filled years. They first planted roots in Detroit, where Ed worked for the city until retiring four decades later. Here, he built the house his children grew up in, one that is remembered with extreme fondness today. Ed and Jean later moved to Farmington Hills. Ed treasured his family and friends, especially his wife whom he regarded as the epitome of strength, and the reason both of his daughters grew up to be such strong women.

Ed was an avid skier well into his 80s. Every year he embarked on an annual ski trip with the same group of friends—friendships he maintained for 40+ years, his friendship with his best friend Pete lasting over 60. He also taught both of his daughters, son-in-laws, and all of his grandchildren how to ski. He was truly a jack-of-all trades and an incredible teacher with an abundance of patience. He shared himself and all of the things he knew with many, but was such a humble man.

Ed was blessed with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.  He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, always making jokes about each being a “favorite” while being extremely specific with his explanation (i.e. favorite first girl granddaughter, favorite youngest boy grandson, etc.)

He was a man of his word, so much so that a handshake was just as good to him as any contract. Those who were lucky enough to know Ed all remember him for being a kind man with a sweet soul and huge heart. He had a warm and gentle nature and made everyone feel immediately at home and comfortable in his presence.

His family will remember him as a man whose passion for life was palpable. He never turned down a good party, always sporting a Manhattan or a glass of red wine with a smile on his face. He gave the best bear hugs—so tight you thought you might just pop, but the kind of embrace that made you feel all was right in the world. And in those moments, it absolutely was.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Martin, his daughters and their husbands; Kelly (Rob) Hojnacki and Shaun (Dean) Fracassi. His grandchildren and their spouses; Caitlin (Mike) Chavez, Ed (Ashley) Hojnacki, Jenna (Caleb) Baird, and Tyler Fracassi, as well as his great grandchildren Blake, Caden, Elaina and Lyla.

A visitation for Ed will be held on Tuesday, November 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home located at 33603 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335.

A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, November 30th at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church located at 23815 Power Rd, Farmington, MI 48336.

Ed will be laid to rest All Saints Cemetery in Waterford, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or American Heart Association .