Born 30th December 1951 in Wellington, David passed away peacefully in Auckland surrounded by his family on 16th October 2023 after a sudden short illness. He was 71 years old. 

At his request, a private celebration of his life was held in Rotorua on 24th October 2023 at the Rotorua Crematorium and Cemetery. His ashes were scattered among the roses alongside his parents Edna May and Clarence Henry Martin, previously deceased. 

The family sends special thanks to the extraordinary staff at Auckland City Hospital and Mercy Hospice. Their genuine caring allowed David to pass away with dignity and grace, bringing peace and comfort in his final days. 

David’s impact was international. He touched and changed the lives of many in New Zealand, where he grew up, and in Asia, the Middle East, USA and the UK where his career and mission work took him to many countries over the past 5 decades. 

He will long be loved and remembered for his unwavering honesty, cheeky keen wit, fun loving nature and quirky sense of humor that endured even in the face of adversity. David was a devoted father, partner, and a man who held true to his faith with joy and without fear. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. 

Donations in lieu of flowers would be appreciated to support development of Shakina Hospital, a not-for-profit medical facility in India. David was instrumental in planning and developing the project and it was his fervent wish to see the hospital bring care to the State of Andra Pradesh. The family is finalising details for the donation link and will share on this page soon.