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The family of John F. Martin uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
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The family of John F. Martin uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
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Kasey Hargan (formerly Myers) posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I can't tell you what a shock it has been to hear about John, one of the best friends I ever had. I live in another state now and for the past several years John and I kept in touch mostly via Christmas Cards. I was glad to see postings from some of the folks from the "old days" like Darryl and Rick McEwen. I came in to replace Darryl when he quit - I was the first woman floor director at Ch. 8. Everything everyone has said about John is absolutely true and I would be hard pressed to add a thing - except that if anyone deserves a star in the galaxy with his name on it, it is John. He was a unique person with a view on life and how it worked that the rest of us could only dream of understanding. May he continue to inspire future generations by the sharing of his stories by his family. We are all lucky to have known him.
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Mike Johnstone posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Dear John Martin……. Lots of things come to mind when describing Papa John. Feisty, gregarious, opinionated, and irascible – and like the old Boy Scout creed "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent." Well, John was most of those things too….. Among other things, John was his family’s party planner, cruise director, cameraman, chauffer, cheerleader, outfitter, chief cook & bottle washer and official grandpa. On my many trips and visits to Tampa over the years, he never failed to provide a well prepared list of options and activities as well as transportation, logistical support and possibly free tickets. Even in the face of turmoil, illness and tribulation, as was sometimes the case, John was always right there on duty and on point. I’ll never forget what he did for my parents when the going got pretty tough and the rewards were few. John truly loved children and that’s a fact. It shows in those children whose lives he touched and the fine young adults they turned out to be. There’s a little bit of John in them and that’s a good thing. John was quite the raconteur and I never got tired of hearing the war stories about his involvement in the golden age of television in 1950s Los Angeles and Florida and was thrilled when he showed me around his old stomping grounds in the back streets of Hollywood. As a guy with a little background in television myself, I always enjoyed his input and when I was helping my dad document the family history for posterity on video, John was standing by to help any way he could and I couldn’t have done it without him. In Los Angeles in 1987, when Deborah and I got married, he was at ground zero with a video camera on his shoulder and because of John, that event is documented better than anyone else could have ever done it. Hell, he was even there with his video camera on our honeymoon when we all sailed over to Catalina Island. He sure fell in love with that place. We’ll all miss you terribly John. But from the looks of things, you may have gotten out of this world just in time. You’re definitely in a much better place now – you’ve earned it. And by and by when I arrive, you can show me around because I’m sure you’ll be running the place. So John….. Wait for me in Heaven – I’ll be there. Mike Johnstone
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Merrily Johnstone posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Although circumstances prevent me from being here in person, I am with you all in my heart today. When I heard of John's passing, I started thinking about what he meant to me. When he came into the lives of the Johnstone family he adopted us all without reservation, collectively idiosyncratic lot that we are. And since he was what you might call quite a colorful personality himself, I figure we were a match made in heaven. Through good times and bad, and there a lot of both, he was always present and accounted for, and always willing to share - what he had and what he knew. He was keenly interested in so many things - local history, the best restaurant or movie, current events, the logistics of everything. This includes how to have the absolute best time you possibly could, without missing a single thing that there was to see or experience. He was the steward of our shared activities, shepherding the sometimes wayward or unwilling lambs, making sure we arrived on time via the quickest and safest route to the destination - whether it was Disney World or the cancer clinic. John, we might have muddled through somehow without you, but I'm so grateful we didn't have to. It would have been a lot harder and a lot less fun. You cared so much for all of us, sincerely and always with the best intentions. You were the original On-Star Protection Device, a sort of guardian angel with halo askew, assigned to our case, looking to earn some wings. Maybe you figured out along the way that you're stuck with us for the long haul. I hope that's OK with you. Today, as we stand here missing you, I can picture you proceeding ahead on your own route towards the pearly gates, and it occurs to me that you might be getting an earful from Mom about what you should do before and after you get there. Patience, dear John. You better listen up and remember that - coming or going, we love you, and always will. Life was never dull with you around, and we're going to miss you like crazy. With love to all, Aunt Merrily
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Jeanne Barnes posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2011
John was always kind to me; I enjoyed meeting him. Please accept my heartfelt condolesences in his passing. Be well.
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Rick McEwen posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Sorry for your loss..I was out of state. John was mentor to me when I started in 1968. He helped me understand the television business. Still here because of him. My prayers are with the family. Rick
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Peter and Judie White posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
We were saddened to get the news of John's passing. We knew him from his work with Peter at Channel 8, a neighbor in King's Forest and as the Godfather of our son, Sean. We hope you will enjoy all the good memories of John, as we will. Our deepest love to you.
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Alice Meunier posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
John, though so many were blessed to call you friend, we only got to know each other a few years ago while I was recuperating from knee replacement. We would meet up often while walking and share so many stories and you never failed to leave without some words of encouragement. I am honored to also call you friend. May Colleen and your loving family find peace in knowing how many lives you have touched in such a wonderful way. God bless.
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Laurie Scollin posted a condolence
Monday, August 1, 2011
He always took a personal interest in all the new "kids" at the station...although none of us really was a kid. He had stories to tell...and we all loved hearing them. I will miss him, as will all who knew him! There were a lot of us at Channel 8 who felt that we were part of his real family and missed him when he retired. I spoke to him several times since then and he was having the time of his life with his family...especially those babies. I'm privileged to have known such a warm and funny man.
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Bob Hite posted a condolence
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A wonderful man who made me feel welcome and at home when I came to Ch8 in June of 77. We were friends. Smooth Sailing John!
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Mark Edelstein posted a condolence
Sunday, July 31, 2011
I worked with John during my time at Channel 8 beginning in 1983. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathies to his family.
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Bob & Barb Jameson posted a condolence
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Rest in peace friend of 75 years. You worked hard to help many people.
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Jeff Cook posted a condolence
Sunday, July 31, 2011
I worked with John for several years at WFLA and I always appreciated the insight and humor that he had everyday. It was a honor to have known him and he will be missed. Godspeed John.
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Gray Caron posted a condolence
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Colleen and Family~ I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I worked with him for over 20 yrs at Ch 8 and was always proud to call him my friend. I know your family will miss him beyond words. I pray your hearts heal fast so you can get back to the comfort of your memories of John. I'm sorry I missed the service, but I couldn't get off work. I loved the photos. Thank you for sharing them with us all. God Bless you and yours, Gray
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Rob Schweitzer posted a condolence
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I'm happy to say I worked with John for a number of years at WFLA in Tampa early in my career. He was a terrific role model and good friend. I'm glad I new John. My deepest condolences to all his family members on this sad occasion.
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Paulette Maige Outlaw posted a condolence
Saturday, July 30, 2011
My sincere sympathy to Colleen and family in the loss of your dear Husband, Father and Grandfather. John was very special to his many friends, over the years, at NewsChannel 8...we shared so many interesting, hectic and fun times. We loved John's stories. He cared about us...and we appreciated his friendship. He loved his family and his "work" family. John was a unique and very special person. We will truly miss him.
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Jon & Mary Hoegstrom posted a condolence
Saturday, July 30, 2011
We both worked with John for many years. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. Always enjoyed his creative and personal caring personality. Many Blessing to all the family, Jon & Mary Hoegstrom
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Pamela and Dari Downing posted a condolence
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tee, Dari and I are so sorry for the loss of your father. John was always happy to see us and he diffently made an imprint on our lives as well as others. He is at a place where there is no more pain and no more suffering.
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Bill And Ro Trombley posted a condolence
Friday, July 29, 2011
John Martin is my Cousin. We have kept in touch with each other through the years. We talked about the old city, Cohoes, N.Y.,and reminiscenced about our youth years, our parents and the many picnics the family shared. I will miss him dearly.
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Jean Isiminger posted a condolence
Friday, July 29, 2011
Colleen and family, I'm sorry for your loss. John was such an interesting man with fascinationg stories. It was a pleaure knowing him. Jean
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Beth Walker posted a condolence
Friday, July 29, 2011
John, You were always such a pleasure to know. Who could forget these birthday celebrations: LORDY, LORDY BETH IS 40 and of course the infamous 50th. You and Colleen were instigators in both. Fun times for sure. It's been wonderful knowing you these many years. I smile when I think of you...
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Donna Betzler posted a condolence
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Dear Colleen and Family, It is with great sadness that I am sending this message. John was a great friend to me and to my deceased husband Harry. John was very special and kind and will be dearly missed by me and all who have been surrounded by his love. May Jesus be holding him in his arms today and always. Your friend in Christ, Donna Betzler
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Joannie McHugh posted a condolence
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Dearest friend John, althought you are back in the wild blue yonder, you'll always be set deep in our hearts. My dearest friend, my adopted family guy, I will miss you more than all our tears will ever show, yes we will all grieve your loss, but time will help us to know that you are up there filming the greatest of all your productions, the legacy of your wonderful families here. I personally will miss sharing our wine tasting evenings, great stories you and Colleen shared with me during those time together. God bless u my dear, dear, friend.
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Darryl Tharin posted a condolence
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Will miss John. I remember all to well the days we worked at Ch8. Miss our afternoon coffee breaks and trying to make it back for the 4:30 cut in. He was a mentor to me in my junior days of TV and my thoughts are with his family.
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BILL, DAVID, and Rebecca Kennedy posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Papa John - you were a saving grace sent from heaven for the family for more than 30 years. Your kindness and generosity provided more joy and happiness than any of us could ever repay. Thanks for choosing to become a part of our lives. We will miss you Papa John. Bill, David, and Rebecca Kennedy
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