WIST, JR., Martin E. (Marty)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, September 10, 2013 Martin E. Wist Jr. (Marty) passed away on Sept. 2, 2013 in Fountain Hills, Ariz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marion Wist; three sons and their wives, Ron and Priscilla Wist of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Roger and Dianne Wist of San Diego, Calif. and Doug and KrisAnn Wist of Eckert, Colo.; three granddaughters; one great granddaughter; and his brother David Wist of Phoenix, Ariz. Arizona native, Martin, was born on Dec. 18, 1928 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was the eldest of two sons born to Martin E. Wist Sr. and Anna Bloom Wist. Marty's father was sent to Prescott in 1921, for treatment in the army hospital at Fort Whipple. He was suffering from mustard gas related injuries that he incurred during his service in World War I. Against all odds he regained his health and started an office supply company with three of his war comrades Peterson, Brook, Steiner and Wist (PBSW). Later, he married and purchased K-12 Ranch for his growing family. It was at the K-12 Ranch in Prescott, Ariz. that Marty spent most of his childhood. Growing up he was active in sports, ranch work and Boy Scouts of America. He received his Eagle Scout Award at the age of 16. He was one of four Eagle Scouts from the seven basin states that was chosen to attend the ceremony when Boulder Damn was officially renamed Hoover Dam in 1946. He also had the honor as a scout to serve as a color guard standing at Charlotte Halls' casket during her funeral. After graduating from Prescott High School in 1947 he enrolled in Colorado A&M (now called CSU) where he majored in animal husbandry. It was while attending Colorado A&M that he met the love of his life, Marion Rogers from Fort Collins, Colo. They were married in 1950 after graduating. In 1951, Marty was called to serve in the Korean War as a corpsman in the Naval Hospital. While stationed in San Diego, Calif., they started their family and were blessed with two sons, Ron and Roger. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Marty moved his family back to Arizona, where he was employed by McElhenney Cattle Company from 1953 to 1955. In 1956, their third son, Doug was born. Marty decided to leave the cattle industry and go into the field of business. This decision landed him at Glen Mar Door with the Mardian brothers, serving as partner and general manager until he retired in 1981. After a few years of retirement which included a six month visit to Australia and New Zealand, Marty joined the working world again and started his own wholesale door business (Sun Country Door) in Santee, Calif. with his three sons. Eight years later, they sold the company and he retired. Marty and Marion returned to Prescott where he pursued his interest in real estate that lead him to joining Fred Lindquist and his team of realtors. Membership to the Prescott Corral of Westerners where he served as Sheriff in 1995 allowed him the opportunity to share his love of history with fellow members. Marty loved to travel and his itineraries include many countries abroad as well as a variety of U.S. states. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to snow ski, hike and had a special love for animals. Marty was a very kind, loving and generous man both to his family, friends and numerous charitable organizations. He served on the YMCA camp committee for 20 years assisting in the development and organization of the Sky Y Camp in Prescott, Ariz. and Chauncey Ranch Camp in Mayer, Ariz. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years and under his guidance, his three sons received their Eagle Scout Award. He served as board member of the Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Kiwanis Club, Metropolitan YMCA and numerous trade associations. He was a former member who served on the board of directors for the Sharlot Hall Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hospice of The Valley or any charity of your choice. A celebration of Marty's life for family and friends will be at 11 a.m. Sept. 14, 2013, at the Prescott Hassayampa Inn, in the Marina Room. Information provided by survivors.