I would like to extend my most heartfelt sympathies to the family of Dr. Martin. To say that he was the shining light of my medical education would be an understatement. I attended the UC Medical School in the early 1970s, and spent two weeks during my general surgery rotation with Dr. Martin, and then a six week elective rotation with him during my senior year. To this day I have many, many memories of my time with Dr. Martin. The testimonials here from his patients are far more valuable than my long-ago recollections can be. But I will try. There was the Sunday night the resident and I had to call him in because of an error we had made on a post-op newborn. After assessing the situation, and deciding that the child would have to return to the OR, Dr. Martin said simply, "It looks like we are dealing with people mistakes tonight." Despite the utter mortification I felt at the time, from Dr. Martin I learned patience. And the importance of attention to detail that guided my entire career. In the fall of '73, Dr. Martin left for a few days to take one of his children to college, in Colorado, I believe. When he returned, I asked him if he had been able to do some fly fishing while he was away, something I seem to recall he liked. When he said, no, and I said something like, "That's too bad." He looked at me, and I will never forget his flashing blue eyes as he said, "No. I'd much rather fix this thyroglossal duct cyst." There was no doubt he was dead serious. From Dr. Martin, I learned patients' needs were more important than mine. I am retired now, but the lessons I learned from Dr. Martin will remain with me always. It is an honor to have known and been mentored by such a wonderful man. My best wishes to his family.Sincerely, Thomas K. Geraci, MD (UC 1974)