Lawrence Gary Martinson

Lawrence Gary Martinson, the rock and strength of our family, our loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend passed away on June 7, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was a modern renaissance man, characterized by his passion for music, art, science, theater, travel and literature. But more importantly, he was a loving, dedicated father and husband who devoted himself to the happiness of his family to the very end of his life.
Gary came into the world on August 20, 1956. He was the first-born to two doting parents. He learned a love of reading, art, cooking, and sewing from his talented mother and the value of hard work from his father. Gary enjoyed the fun and friendship of two loving siblings. Throughout his school years he rose to the top of his class with hard work and intelligence. He was the first of his family to graduate from college, graduating from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Biology.
Gary discovered his passion for music as a boy starting with the trumpet. He played in bands from elementary through college. It was at this time he was introduced to choral music and a love of singing. He sang with choirs at the University of Utah and later went on to establish and direct the Conchord Vocal Ensemble. Gary spent years directing ward and stake choirs including a wonderful stake production of Handel's Messiah.
Gary married his sweetheart Karen Billings in the Jordan River Temple in October of 1982. They spent many wonderful years together creating happy memories. Their beautiful and unique family unconventionally came together after many years of prayer and waiting. Gary and Karen found true joy together watching their four children grow and accomplish. Gary's time was centered around serving his wife and children. He especially enjoyed family vacations. He loved doing Disney 'till you drop. Gary adored his two little grandsons.
Gary started his professional career at Hercules (which later became Orbital ATK), working as a chemist and later as a Safety Engineer and Technical Trainer. He seemed to know everything and everyone. Gary was liked and respected for his expertise and work ethic.
Gary loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. He honorably served in the Columbia, Bogota mission. He felt privileged to faithfully serve in callings throughout his life. He enjoyed the many friendships he was able to develop with his fellow ward members.
During the last two years of his life he became an amazing example of faith, courage and charity as he rose to the challenge of cancer.
To those who knew him best, Gary exemplified love, kindness, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, courage, fortitude, responsibility, respect, and integrity.
Gary is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Melissa Lapray (Joshua), Nathan, Eliza and Linnea, his grandchildren, Atticus and Jude Lapray, his father, Gene Martinson, his brother, Curt Martinson (Shawna) and his extended family and loving in-laws. He is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Ellerman Martinson and sister, Jenny Wiscomb (Tom). Gary's family would like to thank the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Center and the Utah Cancer Center for their dedicated service. A viewing will be held on Monday, June 11th from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home 1007 S Jordan Parkway. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 12th at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel at 2556 W 9800 S Friends may visit from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Internment will be at Holliday Memorial Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Martinson Family Scholarship Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/martinson-family-scholarship-fund