Page created by: Michele Martin

Robert H. Martin was a larger than life personality. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. From the bus boy at his table at a restaurant, to a judge sitting on the Supreme Court, he made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. He was so genuinely interested in what that person had to say. Being a long time attorney, for the prestigious firm of Plunkett and Cooney, he had this ability to ask anyone questions without them feeling judged. He got people to open up about themselves in a way they felt totally comfortable. This is also what contributed to him being one of the most successful civil defense attorneys in Detroit, Michigan.

I remember a fellow attorney summing up our father's career. " One of the nicest guys in law but you would never want to meet him in court."

Robert H. Martin was a Detroit fixture. He was known to everyone as Bob Martin. Whether he met you once or 10 times, he would always say his full name "Bob Martin". If anyone was 10 minutes late meeting him, he managed to know everyone in the room within that 10 minutes and introduce you to them like they were his new best friend. He had that gift.

Every time my brother Michael or I called him, or he called us, he always answered, "Bob Martin", and our response was always the same, "yes dad, I know."

Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 25 years ago. He fought it like he did any courtroom battle. He did it with a lot of grace and strength. Parkinson's never conquered him but he conquered it to the bitter end. He never once felt sorry for himself and fought it like a champ, outliving most people's expectations. He could hit a golf ball farther than most who were in perfect health. He never let his Parkinson's stop him from participating or having a good time. He was a story and joke teller. He always had an audience. He found great joy being surrounded by his family and friends. He was well loved and brought great joy to anyone who he encountered. He will be sorely missed by all who have known him.


"Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened"

Love you Dad, Uncle Bob, Papa, Bob Martin