George Maurice Martin passed away on July 28, 2019 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. He was 74 years young.

He was born in Spearfish, SD, the oldest son of Tracey and Ethel (Nold) Martin. Larry (deceased), Don, and Rod were his siblings.

George met his future wife at a softball game, and they married a year later in 1982. He and Sue had two children: Molly Elisabeth and Jordan Reed. Our children were his greatest accomplishments. He was proud of them and their career choices. Molly is working on her PhD in Higher Education, and Jordan is working towards a degree as a Physician's Assistant.

He had a passion for "digging in the dirt." Spring was his favorite time of year so he could start planning the flowers for his gardens. He made many trips to the greenhouse to pick "just the right combination of color." This year was different because he bought more perennials for his gardens. George lamented the lack of color compared to bright annuals but creating something long lasting was his focus.

In 1969, George graduated from Black Hills State College with a teaching degree in science. He taught for one year in Platte, SD. His favorite reading materials were scientific journals.

After his first diagnosis of cancer we traveled to the Mayo Clinic. After an unsuccessful stem cell transplant, he agreed to try a drug just out of clinical trials. George was happy to support emerging science. This drug made it possible to have three great years of remission.

Remission led to his favorite job, City Councilman from Ward 2. He brought to this job the love of his hometown, his experience as Street Superintendent of Spearfish, a working knowledge of construction, and the ability to network with people.

George's involvement in his kids' extracurricular life never waned. He helped with Girl Scout meetings, encouraged his children to take up music, and rarely missed a band concert, track meet or soccer game. He even received certification as a soccer coach so he could cheer from the players' sidelines instead of the fan bleachers.

George volunteered with Spearfish Ambulance Service, Spearfish Volunteer Fire Department, Spearfish Optimist Club, Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Downtown Business Association.

Those left to celebrate his life are his wife Susan Hall-Martin, Spearfish, SD, his children Molly Hall-Martin and Jordan Hall-Martin, his brothers Don of St. Paul, MN, Rod (Joan) Martin of Rapid City, SD, two nephews Andrew and Aaron Martin. He is also survived by his one niece, Kim (Randy) Kirmeier, great niece and nephew Katie and Ryan Kirmeier, his sister-in law Linda Hall of Asheville, NC, and Tanya and Kurt Krietlow. George leaves behind many cousins and life-long friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents Tracy and Ethel Martin and his brother Larry.

A reception will be held on August 30, 2019 from 4:30-5:30 and a celebration of his life from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Matthews Opera House. We chose this date to coincide with Friday Nights on Main Street, a favorite activity of his. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to cancer research or a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com