Jared Charles Martin

Jared Charles Martin was born June 7, 1989 in Seattle, WA. On July 1, 1989 he was welcomed into his forever earthly home by his parents, Dave and Connie Martin and older brother, Benjamin. Nineteen months later, Jared’s younger brother, Iain, joined the family. 

Jared spent the first four years of his life living with his family in Papua, Indonesia. While he didn’t like the heat, he enjoyed the other perks of life in the tropics: going barefoot, playing outside year round, playing in the water… 

When Jared was 4 the family settled in Wheat Ridge, Colorado where he attended school until he was 16. Jared earned his GED later on. Over time he became a voracious reader. 

Jared had an ear for music and an eye for art. He started out playing the trumpet, then switched seamlessly to the French horn and mellophone. He marched with the Wheat Ridge High School band for two seasons. He participated in children’s choir at church, as well as honor choir and handbells in elementary school. He created some lovely artwork in clay and pastels. 

Fairly early on, Jared showed signs of mental instability. That eventually led him to life on the streets. No truly helpful solution was ever found. Jared became known as “The Walker” in the Arvada/Wheat Ridge interface. People who minister to the homeless, peace officers, social workers, everyday citizens, and others in the homeless community all loved on Jared. 

Jared’s walking eventually led him to the interstate highways where his earthly struggles came to an end the evening of his 32nd birthday, June 7, 2021, when he was hit by a vehicle and walked into the arms of Jesus. Jared is safe at home with the Lord Jesus to whom he entrusted his life while still young. Free at last. 

Jared is survived by his birth parents, Juan Gonzales-Sanchez and Laura Hosking, his parents, Dave and Connie Martin, brothers Benjamin Martin (Yessica) and Iain Martin (Samantha), and bonus sister, Jennifer Scott, seven nieces and nephews, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A memorial service is planned for 1 PM July 17, 2021 at The Rising Church, 7500 W. 57th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80002. All are welcome. Memorial gifts can be made to Mission Arvada c/o The Rising Church.