Theodore Martin Obituary

Ted Martin was born on May 24, 1938 in McGill, Nevada and passed away on August 23, 2025. Ted remained positive and upbeat throughout the entire time he battled cancer. Everyone at the hospital wanted to be his doctor or nurse because he brightened their day. Ted and wife Cynthia were married 64 happy years, calling one another "dear" every day while enjoying life to the fullest in their home on the riviera which was always filled with family, friends and celebrations. They joyously parented many cats who always made them laugh. His sister is Artis Chamberlin. She and Ted were devoted to each other, sparred constantly with jokes, and enjoyed all their many times together. He was pre-deceased by his parents James and Mary and his siblings Nick, Emily and Sophia. His nieces, like daughters to him, are Nicolette Martin Van Winkle, Jamie Chamberlin Granner, Kristi Frank, and Kerri Keslow. He also leaves his sister-in-law and traveling buddy Carolyn Frank. In his younger years Ted was hands-on help to his father and brother working at their "busy bee café." Ted received a master's degree in Spanish literature from UCSB, then started a long career in teaching. He was a pied piper to his students during the 45 years he was teaching Spanish and French at La Colina Jr. High School. As a committed teacher, Ted gave all his students and their parents his home telephone number should they need his help with anything academically or personally. He remained everyone's cheerleader celebrating even their smallest accomplishment. Ted shared pictures of his travels with his students, and he was known on campus for his school-wide slide shows taken of students throughout each year. During the 1960's Ted was awarded a Full bright grant and taught at the University of Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. Ted's favorite word was "wonderful," which he said when asked how he was feeling by Cynthia on his last day of life. All of their lives together ted and Cynthia were avid bicyclists, until two years ago. Their wedding anniversary ritual was to ride from Ventura up the bike trail to Ojai, have lunch, then coast back. Ted was proud of his Greek Heritage and enthusiastically greeted everyone with "Opa" while working at their festivals. He was the treasurer for the Church's order of ahepa, chapter 243. The traits he exhibited endeared him to people from all walks of life. He especially delighted in surprising strangers by speaking their language and he fluently spoke four. The funeral service will be held at the Santa Barbara Greek orthodox church, 1205 San Antonio creek road on Monday, September 15th at 10:00 am. The family wishes to especially thank father Bob Fox, the VNA, Oncologist Dr. Zanona as well as his other doctors, nurses and caregivers who looked after Ted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted's name to the Santa Barbara Greek church education fund, at 1205 San Antonio Road, SB, 93105 or to Serenity House, 930 Miramonte drive, Santa Barbara, ca, 93109.