Matthew Martin Obituary – Matthew (Matt) Martin of Tooele, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on January 16th, 2024, at 68 years old. Matt was born in El Paso, TX on December 5th, 1955, to Wilma Joan Blevins and Frank Thomas Martin. He married Vicki Miller on February 18, 1983, in Lordsburg, NM. Matt grew up in Animas, NM and Elfrida, AZ, working on his parent’s cattle ranch. He acquired the nickname, Burrhead, given to him by Johnny Cash.
Matt attended Valley Union High School, where he was a high school rodeo champion, an All-State baseball catcher, and track star. Matt worked in the copper mining industry for forty-eight years between his years with Phelps Dodge in Playas, NM, and Kennecott in Magna, Utah. Matt loved the control room, where he spent much of his career. Matt also worked as a skycap at the Salt Lake International Airport for eighteen years. Matt loved the outdoors. He loved to fish and hunt in his earlier years, as well as play fast pitch softball.
Matt was a dedicated coach throughout the years. He took pride in coaching many kids in t-ball, baseball, and softball. He supported his kids’ and grandkids’ athletic careers throughout their childhood and high school years, and never missed the chance to cheer them on. He enjoyed playing softball with his daughter, Courtney, and son-in-law, Nick in the following years. Later, Matt found his passion for golf. He never missed a Monday to play in the smelter golf league, or the chance to play a round with his favorite golfer – his daughter, Star.
He became involved in charity golf tournaments, donating his time, money, and even cooking. He was an integral part of raising over $200,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, in support of his grandchildren, Ivy and Tolliver. Most recently Matt rediscovered his fondness for cooking. He loved to BBQ and feed a crowd. He loved making anything in a cast iron skillet. He also enjoyed playing his guitar and relaxed by watching old westerns on TV.
Matt is survived by his wife, Vicki, sisters Martha Martin, Bonnie Cusimano, and Nina Martin, children Daphne (Steve) Ottoson, Tempest Day, Courtney (Nick) Waters, and Star (Landon) Stice. He leaves behind grandchildren, Daria, Addison, Ivy, Aiden, Tolliver, and a great grandchild, Evelyn. A celebration of life will be held in his honor Sunday, February 25th, 1-4pm, at the Stansbury Park Clubhouse.
