Martin L. King, CR, ASA, passed away on May 7th following treatment for an aggressive illness; he was 83 years old. He will forever be remembered for his numerous contributions to the restoration industry, his devotion to his family, his efforts to turn a fledgling industry into a recognized profession, his incredible knowledge, and his creation of the industry's Certified Restorer certification.
Funeral services were private and the family has requested that they not be contacted at this point in time because of the many arrangements that must be made.
His wit and penchant for understating the obvious were hallmarks of his many classes and we will be forever grateful that he shared those and so much more with so many of us. Farewell dear friend, colleague and mentor.
Restoration Industry Association President Scott Stamper released the following letter this week, as RIA mourns the passing of industry legend Marty King:
The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is saddened by the loss of Martin L. King, a leading voice in not only our association, but the restoration industry.
Marty empowered and invigorated our industry with his teachings, writings and innovative restoration product concepts that have and will continue to influence generations of restoration professionals to follow. During his forty year career, Marty advocated for restoration professionals focused on fire and smoke restoration, believing that a certification program was needed to lend lasting credence to the profession. It was with this drive that in 1980, King developed the Certified Restorer (CR) Certification, which boasts over 600 certified professionals since its inception.
RIA presented Marty with a lifetime achievement award for his commitment and dedication to the restoration industry. This award has since been renamed the Martin L. King Award and is presented to individuals who, similar to Marty, have made significant and conspicuous contributions to the restoration profession.
Marty is an inspiration to all of us and the founding father of restoration will be truly missed.
- Scott Stamper, CR President, Restoration Industry Association
