Michael A. Martin, a fun-loving banker, family man and all-around good guy, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in Anchorage, on Nov. 11, 2021. He was 54.

Mike had broad shoulders — literally, as an ex-football player, and figuratively, as a rock-solid pillar of the community. He was chief operating officer and general counsel at Northrim Bank. He was also known for his volunteer service as president of the Alaska Bankers Association and the Alaska Public Media board. With his wife, Nancy, he led the Cross Country Ski Team Booster Club at West High School. He particularly enjoyed teaching kids to ski as a coach for Junior Nordic. 

No matter how busy his days, Nancy and their three sons knew they could count on his support and advice, and that he would always be home to cook dinner. 

While intensely devoted to his family, Michael was a spectacular host. He honed his skills as a chef and master of the grill. The many people Michael welcomed into his home were invited to share his love of food and drink and the joy of human connection. He set the gold standard for hospitality and could fill a room with laughter and warmth like few others.

Michael was born near Pittsburgh, in Latrobe, Pa. to Irene and DT Martin. He went to Hempfield High School and The Kiski School, studied political science and art at Juniata College, and graduated from Ohio Northern University School of Law.

He excelled at football in high school and college, where he was named All-Middle Atlantic Conference first team. A lifelong Steelers fan, Michael could rhapsodize about the latest game or ancient Steelers history. Michael also loved rugby, which he played in college, law school and in the men’s league in Anchorage.

He and Nancy were college sweethearts. It was Nancy who first came to Alaska, and Michael joined her on his spring break from law school in 1992. Already madly in love with each other, they fell in love with the state, too, as they explored the snowy roads from Hatcher Pass to Homer in a tiny rental car. Each time they’d get stuck in snowbanks, Michael would literally lift the car back on the road so the adventure could continue.

A law firm job lured them back to their college town of Huntington, Pa., but their appetite for adventure was rekindled when a dear friend called, raving about Alaska’s summer beauty. Michael’s enthusiasm, combined with a bottle of wine on their apartment porch, was all it took to convince them to sell everything and head north in 1993.

Banking, not law, turned out to be Michael’s true passion. As a banker, Michael combined legal knowledge with a gregarious personality. He had an uncanny ability to solve complex problems and a gift of putting people at ease.

He felt fortunate to work with talented mentors and colleagues at First National Bank Alaska, then as part of the Northrim Bank family. At Northrim, in addition to COO and general counsel, he was executive vice president and corporate secretary. Michael was also an eager mentor, thrilled to share his knowledge as an instructor at the Pacific Coast Banking School.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Nancy Martin; sons Jackson, Finlay and Kelly Martin; mother Irene Martin; mother-in-law Sally Simpson, sister-in-law Sue Ann Simpson, brother-in-law Erik Simpson; half-sisters Eileen Martin, Vicki Furmanek and Kelly Deegan; and Aunts, Debra Pevarnik and Mary Beth Galinac and extended family members.  He is preceded in death by his father DT Martin, half-sister Catherine Martin and father-in-law Richard Simpson.

Michael adored his family, delighted in his many friendships, loved being a banker and was committed to building a stronger Alaska. He packed an amazing amount of fun into 54 years. He will be missed beyond words.

A celebration of life will take place June 18, 2022 at the Dena’ina Center, from 1-4 pm. 

Memorial donations in Michael’s name may be made to Alaska Public Media or Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage.