Obituary of Orin Martin Rice

Orin Martin Rice, born December 18, 1924, Santa Cruz, California, died April 9, 2013. Martin served in the Navy for four years, starting in 1942, as a Gunnery Officer and a Watch Officer on the USS 334LSM (a 200 foot landing craft) and was part of the invasion of Guam and Okinawa as an Air Transport Officer. Later, he served in the Naval Reserves and was honorably discharged at Lt JG. He was an avid photographer and during the war used his helmet and the helmet of others to develop film. More recently he was a beta tester for Photoshop. While in the military Martin earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Stanford University. In 1951 he was appointed chief draftsman at Southern Pacific Railroad, after 3 years in college, despite fierce competition from many who were more experienced. He later worked at FMC for 35 years designing army tanks, including the Bradley Fighting Transporter. After retirement he planned and hosted train excursions all over the United States for Central Coast Railway Club, part of the National Railroad Historical Society. He was a member of the Santa Cruz County Old Timers' Club and, as a 5th generation Californian, belonged to Native Sons of California. Martin's grandfather Edward Scott Martin was the station master of Glenwood Station. His great grandfather was pioneer Charles Christopher Martin who came to California in 1847 and later founded Glenwood. A plaque at the former station house at 1471 Glenwood Road signifies this. Martin Rice and his family also lived in the station house for a few years. Martin was very proud of his family and is survived by his wife Peggy of 61 years, his sister Mary Vivian Brown, son Ned Rice, daughters Liane Rice, Elaine Rice, Jennifer Dewey and her husband David. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian, Andrew and Meaghan Dewey, and his great grandson, Christopher Patrick. He was preceded in death by his brother Ned. Donations in lieu of flowers to Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Department of Philanthropy: (650) 853-4808 or Hospice of Santa Cruz County: (831) 430-3000 would be much appreciated. The Rice family is planning a private service.