Jared Charles Martin
June 7, 1989 ~ June 7, 2021
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.
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Jared-
You are one of the the most smilingest people I've ever met. I will miss your smile and your contagious happiness. Seeing you everyday at and around my Library brought me comfort and a sense of normalcy in such an unpredictable world. Like, there's Jared, struting down the street with his smile as big as the sky and laughing… everything's alright.
Thank you for always being kind, respectful and thoughtful towards me, it meant a lot. I was always so proud of you for how well you managed yourself. You are an exemplary and outstanding person. I learned a great deal from you and knowing you made me a better person.
It had always been so obvious that you are very loved and cared for by so many. I'm not going to say goodbye because God willing, I'm going to see you again someday.
I am very sad to lose you and will miss you terribly. But, I try to turn my sadness into joy for your return to the Lord and I am happy for you to be with him. I want you to know that your life mattered and I will celebrate having known you for the rest of mine.
Thank you for being my friend! Arvada will never be the same without you. But, Arvada sure is better because of you.
Elizabeth (Lisa) Feller
I was very sad to hear of your passing Jared! My daughter & I met you through The Rising Church's homeless ministry. When you'd come in, we always made sure you had something to eat, especially the sweets/snacks you liked. Thank you for blessing us with your friendship! We will miss your smiling face! RIP 🙏💔
He used to always make my dad more happier when my dad was alive and when he was hanging around old town when he was homeless as well I remember memories of my dad telling me of him also a couple times when I meet my dad at the church to have a meal with him he would make sure I said hi to this special man I hope you are resting easy up there in heaven
I met Jared at Harvest Christian Community. My dog attended for 11.5 years of the 12 I had her. He liked petting her occasionally when he came to church. Once in a while during services he would sing. He had a great deep voice that was noticeable. At Bible studies, he was quite involved, reading passages, talking about his relationship with his God. Deep thinker. Good general conversations. He will be loved & missed but praise God he's home with his Lord & Savior. Best thing for him.