Obituary

Martin Gleason Addicott of Bellingham passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 at the age of 94. He joins his beloved wife of 69 years, Betty Jean (Newell), who preceded him in death in 2017. Martin was born on April 29, 1930 in White Earth, North Dakota to Leslie and Hazel Addicott. The family moved to Bellingham in 1934 when Martin was 4 years old. He was the last surviving sibling of 10 children, including Ken, Lee, Calvin, Les, LaRayne, Elroy, Chuck, Jim, and Ray.

Martin married his childhood sweetheart, Betty, on July 24, 1948 and together they raised 4 children, Vicki, Rick, Marta, and Kristi, on a 5 acre hobby farm, which is now a part of the Bellis Fair Mall. Through a labor of love and hard work Martin made a life for his family and put his heart and soul into every endeavor. He retired from Oeser Cedar Company in 1995, where he worked as a crane operator for 49 years. At home he supplemented the family income by growing string beans, corn, and Xmas trees and often spent evenings plowing gardens and other projects to give his kids music lessons. In the late 60’s to mid 70’s, Martin and Betty also owned and operated “The Cone,” a historic ice cream/burger restaurant in downtown Bellingham. Betty ran the restaurant by day and Martin stopped by after a days work at Oeser’s to make his famous homemade ice cream and peel/slice potatoes for French fries. He also had artistic talents beyond belief – his chainsaw woodcarving talents delighted his family and also took him on trips around the U.S. as well as to Japan twice where Martin and his carvings were the grand attraction at the opening of a mall and the entrance to a small town. He made close friendships in Japan despite language barriers.

When the Sterling Dr. property was purchased for the mall, Martin was able to fulfill his longtime dream of building a log house. He put several years into this endeavor – cutting every log that went into building the house from the property. He turned this 40-acre property in the S. Lake Samish area into a magical world for his family – filled with enchanting woodland trails, magnificent and whimsical woodcarvings, treehouses, bridges, a pond and waterwheel, ponies, upside down trees, and even built a train and train track (the “Martinville Express”). He was featured in several local newspapers and on KVOS TV for his woodcarving talents.

From sun-up to sun-down, a life exceptionally well lived – husband, father, grandfather, papa, father-in-law, brother, brother-in law, uncle, friend, chainsaw woodcarving artist, naturalist, crane operator, builder of beautiful things, hobby farmer, cowboy, keeper of old trucks and farm equipment (including a cat and bulldozer), animal whisperer, dog trainer, ice cream maker, entrepreneur, lover of tall tales and good jokes, lover of sweets and old-time music, builder and
conductor of his own train. Strong, gentle, smart, creative, thoughtful, funny, humble, loving, kind and good – he was “one of a kind” whose zest for life made a forever impact and touched the hearts and lives of his family and everyone that knew him forever. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed – his legacy will be carried on.

Martin is survived by his daughters, Marta Schellberg (Ken) of Seabeck and Kristi Carpenter (Dean) of Bellingham, nine grandchildren, Tamera Selhaver Ramos, Chris Young, Cyndee Young Crook, Jennifer Rupp, Mark Rupp, Ryan Carpenter, Jamie Carpenter, Marta Carpenter, and Brooks Carpenter, fourteen great grandchildren, and three great-great granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean, daughter Vicki Selhaver Young, and son Rick Selhaver. He was also preceded in death by his lovely late-in-life companion and friend, Lois Millard, who he had met at Denny’s at the age of 89.

Friends and family are invited to join us for Martin’s Celebration of Life, scheduled for Saturday, July 13th at 1 pm at Greenacres, 5700 Northwest Dr., Ferndale, WA. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 12th at noon – all welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you donate to your favorite charity.