Martin L. Colvin |
| Posted 2009-07-16 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Martin L. Colvin Born in Glendale, Arizona on Sept. 2, 1924. Departed on Sept. 3, 2003 and resided in Cottonwood, AZ. Martin L. Colvin, 79, long-time resident and Cottonwood businessman died September 3rd. He was born September 2, 1924, in Glendale, Arizona. He started employment at age 7, and always worked for himself or in management. He was always restless under someone else's supervision and always sought positions of independence. He was an integral part of the family business when he left to serve in the Navy in the Pacific in WWII. There again he served in a role of individual responsibility in his duties as a special operative behind enemy lines. After returning from the service, he again assumed leadership in the family construction business in Glendale. His work was integral in developing the irrigation and sewer lines necessary for the new subdivisions sprouting up in the Phoenix area, clear up into the mid-1950's. He then switched focus and developed a heavy construction business, building several earthen dams and roads and other projects throughout the state of Arizona. In 1969, he moved from Glendale to Cottonwood to escape the 'big city' and to engage in a more settled role in life. He bought and took over the Union 76 bulk distributing plant and service station here. Over the subsequent years, he built up a unique operation in this small town. He had a single-island service station with 2 service bays for mechanical work. By the late '70's and early '80's its reputation for machanical work was unsurpassed. But even more surprising, from this small base, with his drive, integrity, and personality, he developed a following of loyal customers in this region with which he won awards as the Number One dealer of tires, batteries, and accessories in the state of Arizona for Union Oil for several years in a row. And, when the numbers were tallied, it turned out that 8 out of 11 years he sold more than any Union 76 dealer in the United States. Meanwhile, he was actively involved in buying and selling real estate, and developed a keen sense of the value of land and properties. From the time of his arrival in Cottonwood, he foresaw the growth that would occur here, and where it would occur, and invested accordingly. He started doing this in the early '70's when but a few visionaries were aware of the potential of the Verde Valley. He was actively involved in the community. He was a staunch supporter of Mingus High Sports for several years. He served on Planning and Zoning for the City of Cottonwood. He eventually decided to 'slow down' at age 75. He created the institution known as Martin's Old Town Car Wash. There they would take any size vehicle, including RV's, no matter how dirty, and turn them out wonderfully transformed. It was truly a full service car wash in every sense of the word. And, for many people, coming to sit and chat with Martin while the crew did their job was one of the prime attractions. He had many colorful stories to tell. He always had an opinion about what was happening in Cottonwood and the world, and he wasn't bashful about making it known. He also engaged people and drew out their opinions and stories as well. He helped many people along the way. He touched many people's lives in a positive way, and made an impact whose effect will continue long after his passing. He was preceded in death by his brother Link. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Callie; children Marvin, Julia, and Carla; sister, Donna; five grandchildren and extended family, Meredith, Wood, Morris and others. Funeral services will be held at Westcott Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13. Graveside services will be held in Glendale at Resthaven Cemetery, Monday, September 15, at 11:00 a.m. Westcott Funeral Home, Cottonwood and Camp Verde, Arizona. |
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