Martin Thomas Walsh was born May 29, 1947 in Bremerton, Washington to parents Joseph and Irene Margaret Walsh. He passed away January 8, 2024, in Puyallup, Washington, and was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maureen Walsh, and children Colleen Walsh, Egypt Josala, and Shannon Walsh; grandchildren Brittany Scott, Chantel and Ciara Hayes; and great-grandchild Eva Tomlinson.

Marty grew up in Seattle and graduated from O'Dea High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, which he attended on a track scholarship. One of the highlights of his time there was competing in the mile relay at the NCAA track finals. He received a teaching certificate and second Bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in 1971, and began his teaching and coaching career in the Clover Park School District that fall. He taught history and geography, plus coached track and basketball, first at Hudtloff Jr. High. In 1982 he transferred to Clover Park High School, where he taught history and psychology and also coached cross country and track. He was proud of his track teams which won first at State AAA in 1991, 1992, and 1993. In addition, Marty was athletic director at Clover Park High from 1995 until his retirement in 2001.

During summers and in his free time, Marty, with the help of friends, built several houses and two rental properties. Through the years, he participated in several races and marathons, including the annual Sound to Narrows, and the Lewis and Clark Washington Centennial Trail Run in 1989, as part of a relay team which ran from Clarkston to Cape Disappointment in 8 days. In retirement he enjoyed various woodworking projects, including building unique bird houses, planter boxes and other creative items. He also substituted at the Clover Park Alternative School, and coached track at Steilacoom High in 2009-2010. Marty loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas, Mexico and on cruises, and to spend time with family, including inviting them for his BBQ dinners.

Funeral service to be held Saturday, February 24, at 1pm at All Saints Church, 503 3rd St SW, Puyallup, with a celebration of life reception in the parish hall immediately following.