PORTSMOUTH, VA. – Elmer Edwin “Marty” Marttila, 73, passed Aug. 22, at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He was was a former resident of North Jay and Lewiston and retired to his dream home, Crow’s Nest, in Bracey, Va., with his boy, his dog, “Butthead” in 2001.

He was born April 1, 1933, in Sumner, to Konstant and Marcia Marttila. He was a loving and caring father who touched the lives of many. He was compassionate, yet firm, which greatly shaped the wonderful and adventurous life he led.

He attended Emmerson Grammar School in North Jay and Jay High School in Jay. He was “Carnival King” at Jay High School and was a member of the boys baseball team “The Auburn Outlaws” during adolescence.

He retired as a chief warrant officer in 1983, after 31 years of service to the U.S. Navy. After retiring, he returned to Maine every summer to visit family and friends, Harold and Elaine Johnson of North Jay, Bob and Avis Johnson of North Jay, Mike Hagberg of Sabattus and David Hanrahan of Auburn, to name a few.

In his earlier years he was an avid swimmer and athlete. His love of sports continued into his later years as a devoted N.Y. Yankees and Washington Redskins fan. From the early 1970s through the early 1990s, he perfected his horseshoe game winning several tournaments and championships and built lasting friendships which he cherished. In the early 1990s he expanded his horizons and became a member of the Shagg Club and a favorite karaoke performer in Virginia Beach, Va. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his brother, Ray Marttila and Julia Rouleau of Augusta; his children, Kris Wagoner, Donna Amoss, Sharon MacDougall, Rita Wynne and Cindy Marttila of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 14 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Konstant Marttila Jr.