Beloved Irish Community Leader Tim “Taidhg" Martin Passes Away at 86

Thomas “Tim/Taidhg”Christopher Martin, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and cherished member of the Irish community in Los Angeles, CA, passed away on July 16, 2024, from complications related to an acute incident. Born on December 28, 1937, in Dolphin’s Barn, Dublin, Ireland, he was the eldest of eight children of Thomas Patrick Martin and Anne (Cashell) Martin.

From a young age, Tim supported his family, leaving school early to work as a tailor in a local garment shop. As a teen, he moved to England to work as a welder before emigrating to Los Angeles, CA, in 1963, marrying his longtime love, Lillian Dolores Murray, on June 15, 1963, at St. Ignatius Church in Highland Park, CA.

The couple settled in the greater Los Angeles area of Eagle Rock, CA, in 1964, where they raised their three children: Derrick, Linda, and Sheamus. Their home was a sanctuary of Irish heritage, filled with music, dance, and laughter.

Tim, a distinguished commercial and residential Broker, founded his firm in 1978—Tim Martin & Associates, Certified Real Estate. He was described as an honest businessman with impeccable character. During his real estate career, he served as President of the Northeast Realty Board several times; his leadership was invaluable.

Tim’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the Los Angeles Celtic Arts Center in 1985 with his wife, Dolly, and several like-minded friends. Their passion for preserving the native Irish language through literature, music, and theatrical arts was always at the center of their hearts. Tim’s presence at seisiúns, where he played the bodhrán and the bones, sang, and told stories of an older world, brought the vivid spirit of Ireland to life, thus leaving a foundation of tradition and legacy as the most enduring gift he has left us. Taidhg received many honors for his involvement in the Irish Community including a commendation from the City of Los Angeles for his outstanding contributions.

As a grandfather, Tim’s joy was boundless, supporting his granddaughters throughout Irish Dancing Feiseanna, singing Irish tunes with his grandsons, and cheering on his grandchildren through their water polo years. Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parties, vacations, camping trips and captaining duffy rides around the Oxnard Keyes were cherished family traditions.

Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Dolores “Dolly” Murray; his sister, Ann Eustace; and his parents, Thomas and Anne Martin. He is survived by his children, Derrick Martin (Denise Peralta), his daughter, Linda Wright (Justin), and Sheamus Martin (Valerie); his grandchildren: Shayla Martin, Eileen Pleitez, Ciara Martin, Colin Martin, Sinead Martin, Bradley Wright, Eric Wright, Meghan Wright, and JC Lepe; and great-granddaughter Siobhan Brittenum. He is also survived by his siblings: Jack Martin, Terry Martin, Paul Martin, Maggie Mason, Clare Martin Walsh, Alan Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Celtic Arts Center C/O Doug Dean, the Mayflower Club, 11110 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606.

Tim’s life was a beautiful tapestry of Irish heritage, family, language, music, and dance. His legacy will live on in every heart he touched and in every song sung in his honor. May he rest in peace, surrounded by those he held closest and with the melodies and memories he held so dearly.

In the spirit of the language and lust for life he held so deeply, Éirinn go Brách! Until we meet again. Slainte!