Martin Carl Jacobson passed from this life into the next on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, with his family by his side. Martin faced his cancer with strength, courage and faith. His thoughts were for those that he was leaving behind, that they would have happy, fulfilling, God-centered lives.

Martin was born March 7, 1952, in Fort Ord, Calif. His family returned to Hardin and Martin had a wonderful childhood filled with boyhood adventures. He had an inquiring mind and he enjoyed learning new skills and hobbies throughout his life. Martin had a lot of friends and enjoyed a variety of activities while growing up. He participated in the Boy Scouts, Key Club, band, ski club and football.

After graduating from Hardin High School in 1970, Martin alternately attended both Montana universities and worked in a variety of jobs, primarily as a laborer.

Martin entered the U.S. Army on June 19, 1975, and was honorably discharged on June 16, 1978. He rose to sergeant in the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry 101st Airborne Division (Ranger) in Fort Campbell, Ky.

After his discharge in 1978, Martin returned to Montana State University, and received a bachelor of arts degree in political science in 1981. He was accepted into law school at the University of Montana School of Law and received a juris doctorate in 1984.

Martin moved to Helena in January 1985 to work as a law clerk for the Montana Supreme Court. In August of that year, he met his soulmate, Ann, through a mutual friend. Martin and Ann were married on Nov. 29, 1985, at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Helena by Montana Supreme Court Justice William E. Hunt.

After settling into married life, Martin went into private law practice. In October 1987, Martin began his career with the state of Montana in the Department of Commerce. In January 1990, he moved to the Public Service Commission, where he remained until his retirement in October 2007 after 20 years of service.

When their happy little home needed a lot of TLC, Martin was the man to do it. Martin had learned his carpentry skills working with his friend and mentor, Floyd Ballard, during summers in law school. First he tackled the unfinished basement, building a bathroom and two bedrooms. Next he built a kitchen addition, which, with a full foundation, added an office to the downstairs as well as a dining area. Everything was outdated and Martin kept working at the plumbing, wiring and windows, doing all the work by himself. He didn't slow down until another addition on the living room was completed. His final project was a kitchen remodel, designing and building all of the kitchen cabinets from hard maple. In between housing and yard projects, Martin pursued his hobbies with a passion to excel. Hobbies he enjoyed were biking, fishing, boating, golfing, bowling, astronomy, quilting, photography, archery, reloading, hunting, riding his dual sport motorcycle, woodworking, welding and origami.

Martin enjoyed staying home, but because Ann loved to travel (and not always just to see family) they took two perfect vacations. In February 1998 they were off for a vacation in Cancun, Mexico. They had a wonderful time exploring the Aztec ruins, snorkeling and body surfing in the beautiful Caribbean. Then for Ann's birthday present in August 2002, they took off again on a road trip to Canada, another wonderful vacation, sightseeing in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

There are but three things to say about someone who has passed on and we can say all three of these about this good man -- we loved him, we'll miss him and we'll not be the same for knowing him. Although his dreams and plans were cut short, Martin lived four lifetimes in the space of one, and we know that God has big plans for Martin!

Martin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edwin and Hazel Jacobson of Hardin; maternal grandparents, Edwin and Carolyn Riebeth of Hardin; stepfather, Ralph Moore of Hardin; and father-in-law, Ed Hopkins of Corvallis.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; sons Chris and Josh (Laura) Fifield of Spokane Valley, Wash.; and daughter Lainey Margheim of Issaquah, Wash. He also was happy to be grandfather to Alexandra, Alyssa, Rilyn and Koen (due in October). Also surviving are his mother, Alice Moore of Hardin; father, Ed Jacobson of Billings; and sisters, Jean (Scott) Hagel of Kalispell, Carolyn (Lynn) Torske of Billings and Lainey (Mike) Keene of Billings; mother-in-law, Mary Hopkins of Corvallis; and sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Wally Geiger of Niarada. Martin also leaves behind well-loved aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Martin's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Neighborhood Assembly of God, 2450 Floweree, Helena. Memorials in Martin's honor may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Helena Funeral chapel is assisting the family at this time.