Graham Charles WoodcockMARTENGraham Charles Woodcock Marten, 96, of Southport, Merseyside, England, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. Born in Southport, Mr. Marten attended Christ's Hospital School in Sussex and later earned a degree in civil engineering with honours from Manchester University. After completing his National Service in the Royal Engineers Corps he served in the Territorial Army reaching the rank of lieutenant. He went on to serve proudly in the Colonial Service, Royal Engineers Corps, and private sector, designing and constructing vital infrastructure in the Seychelles, Tanzania, and South Africa for nearly two decades. His public works projects- including roads, railways, bridges, and airports -continue to serve communities there. Returning with his family to England in 1975, Mr. Marten continued his engineering career, living first in the Lake District before settling in Southport in 1979. Deeply committed to service, he was captain of the Birkdale Army Cadet Corps and active member of the Royal British Legion for over four decades. His tireless dedication left a lasting mark on his community. He was a devoted husband and father, a loyal servant to The Crown, a rugged outdoorsman, and an avid hiker. Known for his wry sense of humour, fondness for military band music, and graceful presence on the dance floor, he enriched the lives of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. Mr. Marten was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kathleen Marten (née Medcalf), and is survived by his son Paul Marten and granddaughter Leah Marten, daughter Sheila Marten and grandchildren James and Olivia Houlahan. Private funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of the Southport Crematorium, 161 Southport Rd., Southport. A reception following the service will be held at 12:30 at Southport Old Links Golf Club, Moss Ln., Southport. In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Mr. Marten may be made to the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK or the Royal British Legion.
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