Obituary

Scott Alfred Martin (78) of Mission Viejo, CA passed away surrounded by his family on February 20th, 2025. Scott was born in 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Mary Albertine Walz and Alva Cecil Martin. Along with his sister, Linda Rae Ferrill (Martin), the family moved to Albuquerque, and then returned to Bad Axe, Michigan, where they resided for several years. The family later journeyed to Los Angeles where Scott’s mother was raised, soon settling in neighboring Glendora. In Glendora, Scott attended Wilson/Whitcomb Grade School, Sellers Junior High School, and Glendora High School, graduating in 1964.

Scott spent his early years playing baseball, starting in Little League and eventually onto the varsity team for Glendora. Scott was successful academically and active in the Key Club, Student Senate, and Student Court, serving as Freshman Class President, all of which sparked his love for the judicial and political systems. In 1963-64, Scott was solicited by the American Legion to attend Boys State in Sacramento.

Scott graduated from UC Riverside in 1968 with one year spent at UCLA. He majored in Political Science. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, devoting four years to serving his country after basic training at Fort Bragg, NC.

Scott moved to San Francisco in 1970 to attend The University of California, Hastings College of the Law, now UC Law San Francisco. After earning his J.D. in 1973, Scott practiced with several firms throughout Southern California. At the time of his death, he was Of Counsel with Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson, and Haluck LLP.

During law school in San Francisco, Scott met the love of his life, Gail Russell. They married in 1975 and enjoyed life in Long Beach while Gail attended Cal State University, Long Beach. They bought their first home in Anaheim in 1976 and welcomed their daughter Brooke and son Matthew. In 1980, they found a beautiful neighborhood close to a new lake in Mission Viejo, CA.

When he wasn’t at the firm, Scott spent his weekends coaching the kids’ soccer teams and sailing in Dana Point. He spent countless hours on the Mission Viejo Nadadores pool deck cheering on his kids. He was an announcer at multiple swim meets and could often be seen as a volunteer timer. When the family wasn’t traveling across California for swim meets, they enjoyed spending time with family in Kensington, Truckee, and Glendora.

The Martin family enjoyed vacations in Hawaii and around the world, but they spent much of their free time “On the Hill” in Idyllwild, CA. The family cabin held a special place in Scott’s heart and he was at peace with a warm fire and mountain view.

Scott loved his law career. His work ethic was legendary. He was passionate about justice and remained active in the courtroom for a career spanning more than 50 years.

Scott was widely recognized by his peers and colleagues for his  successful law career. His final trial was in October 2024 where the jury reached a unanimous verdict in his favor, for the County of Orange. He was a member of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) with several published decisions including as Amicus Curiae in the California Supreme Court. He passed on his knowledge as an instructor for California Continuing Education of the Bar and was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Gail; his children, Brooke Vick (Ken), and Matthew Martin (Jackie); his grandchildren, Colin, Hailey, Jameson, and Rowan; and his sister, Linda Ferrill.

Please join us in celebrating his life on May 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse at 22555 Olympiad Road. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you may consider supporting the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), or PBS (www.pbs.org).