Arnold Lee Martin, 90, passed away at Central Vermont Medical Center on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Born during a snowstorm in Cabot, Vermont on February 19, 1936 to Glenn Martin and Alice Goodell, Arnold was the youngest of six children, and the last surviving sibling.

He spent his childhood living on family farms across Washington County, where he developed a lifelong love for Vermont, the beauty of its many landscapes and the people who live here.

Arnold graduated from Northfield High School in 1953 where he was the president of the art club and member of the debate club, two passions he held dearly throughout his life. After high school, he went into the Air Force, from 1954 to 1958.

When he returned home, he enrolled in Champlain College. As a student he met his future wife of 47 years – Mary Jane Martin (Bussiere) – while working as a “soda jerk” at Mary Fletcher Hospital. They married in 1961 and had two children, Chris and Robin.

Arnold started working at Rock of Ages as a draftsman laying out monuments. An avid artist, he later started his own business in the late 1970s – ALM Designs – where he designed monuments.

The home that Arnold and Mary created was a joyful place they shared with family and friends alike, proven in part by the wiffleball diamond trampled into their front yard from summer games. In winters, Arnold helped turn the basketball court into a skating rink for the kids. He was a loving and attentive father who shared his passion for art with his kids, and took the same approach with his grandchildren, earning the affectionate nickname “Arnie.”

As someone who was drawn to reminiscing and exploration, Arnold would load the family into the car and set out on the open road with no clear destination, often stopping to talk to friends in nearby towns, pointing out the different farms he grew up on.

For nearly a decade, Arnold and Mary cared for Mary’s brother, Roland “Cutchie” Bussiere, after her sister Lorraine passed away. Although Cutchie’s cerebral palsy caused physical limitations, there were no limits to the love and belonging he found in their family and home.

Arnold found so much joy in sharing his passion for photography, engaging in conversation about religion and politics, and inspiring others with his countless stories. He was curious about those who saw life differently, he loved to entertain others with his silly humor, and had a passion for animals. He was known for his generosity and outreach to those less fortunate, setting up a warm spot with a heated blanket on his porch for stray cats during cold winter nights.

He was an avid reader who took great pride in transforming a spare bedroom into his personal library. It was filled with books that he cherished, along with treasures and artifacts he had collected over the years, including fossils, old photographs, and many other meaningful keepsakes.

His grandchildren remember him as a fun and lighthearted grandfather. He was always ready to encourage a little harmless rebellion or explore thoughtful conversation. He made them feel understood and offered his support as they matured and found their place in the world.

Arnold loved to hop in the car with his camera, heading out to capture the shifting seasons. He was endlessly fascinated with the stories, history and beauty of Vermont. There was nothing he loved more than a good ride, a trip down memory lane, and some company (if you had hours to spare).

He was generous with his time, building connections with folks across the state and sharing long winded stories of his childhood with anyone who would listen.

Arnold was full of gratitude for all the loving relationships he fostered throughout his life and would repeatedly remark on how lucky he was as he reflected back on the decades. He lived a full life, complete with everything he could have hoped for.

We now have the chance to reflect on how truly lucky we were to have such a special guy in our lives. We’ll carry your lessons, stories, and memories with us, keeping them alive as we reminisce about our time together.

Arnold, we love you to pieces, and we love all the pieces. Rest in peace, ya old fart. Until we meet again.

He is predeceased by his parents Glenn Martin and Alice Goodell, his wife Mary Jane (Bussiere) Martin, siblings Eri Martin, Everett Martin, Gordon Martin, Clarence Martin and Olive Martin Patrick and his great grand son Kolbi Masi-Musgrave. He is survived by his daughter Robin Parry (Jason Parry), his son Chris Martin (Donna Moran), his grandchildren Autumn Parry (Griffin Moores), Christian Parry (Gabi Eberle) and Rhiannen Masi and great grandchild Bailey Masi-Wood.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Arnold’s memory can consider making a donation to the Central Vermont Humane Society.