Obituary

Laron (Larry) Pratt Martin Jr. was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on December 29, 1947, to Laron Pratt Martin Sr. and Mercedes Dwars Martin. He grew up in Anchorage and, after graduating from East High in 1966, attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks until joining the Navy.

In his twenties, Larry went into retail management and truly found his calling. He worked for Carr-Gottstein and the Alaska Commercial Company for many years. He embraced challenges of retail management and his adventurous spirit took him all over Alaska, from Anchorage to Soldotna, Wasilla, Delta Junction, Big Lake, Seward, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, and Emmonak – the adventures were on!

After managing retail stores across the state, Larry was hired as the CEO of Petersburg's Hammer & Wikan in 1998, and spent the 25 years running their hardware, grocery, and convenience stores.

He felt he'd truly found his home and quickly became involved in what he described as 'an amazing community.' He was a very involved member of the Rotary Club, the Elks, and the Moose Lodge. He absolutely loved May Fest and every Christmas Eve during julebukking, he could be found serving 'moose milk' at the Hammer & Wikan paint counter.

Larry loved his work, but he loved fun and adventure even more. He was in the woods or on the water every chance he got, hunting, fishing, crabbing, or shrimping. He had a slight wood cutting addiction that fueled his love of gathering around beach fires with family and friends – and fireworks!

Larry will be remembered by his customers for his friendly smile and by his family as a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away peacefully at home in Petersburg, Alaska, on August 20, 2026.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Laron Pratt Martin Sr. and Mercedes (Dwars) Martin; his first wife, Patricia Martin; sons, Murray Martin and James Becker; and a sister, Nadara Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Martin; daughters, Christina (Eric) Wyatt, Kellie Espinoza, and Jacqueline Pfeiffer; a son, Steven (Jenny) Pfeiffer; a niece, Debbi (John) Bitney; a nephew, Laron (Kaylee) Williams; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in Petersburg in the future, along with a funeral service in Anchorage, where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents. Further details will be shared when finalized.