For the week of January 23 - 29, 2002

Longtime resident and Hospice volunteer dies

Mike Martin, 59, was owner of Kneadery

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By PETER BOLTZ
Express Staff Writer

Family and friends are mourning the sudden death of Mike Martin, a long-time Ketchum resident and restaurateur.

Martin, 59, was the owner of the popular breakfast and luncheon restaurant The Kneadery. He was the husband of Gail Severn, owner of the Severn Gallery.

Mike Martin. Courtesy photo

Martin died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound in a parking lot on Silver Street in Hailey shortly after noon Tuesday.

According to Hailey Police Chief Brian McNary, a 911 call came in at 12:16 p.m. about the shooting in the Silver Street parking lot of the Wood River Chapel.

In a written statement later taken by police, the caller said he was going into a nearby store when he noticed a 1997 green Ford Expedition parked across the street in the chapel’s parking lot.

A few minutes later, after the caller had returned to his car and pulled out, he said he noticed someone lying next to the Expedition.

Thinking the person had slipped on the ice, the caller went over to help. When he discovered Martin, he returned to the store to make a 911 call.

McNary and two patrol officers responded to the call, and Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement released Thursday for the family, Martin’s service to the community was noted.

"Michael always gave of himself and was a great support to many in the community through his work with the Hospice of the Wood River Valley and his work with troubled kids," the statement read.

"All of us are searching for a reason; Michael chose the time and place.

"He will be incredibly missed and is loved by many. Gail wants to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support."

Family and friends will gather for a memorial Saturday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. at the Limelight Room in the Sun Valley Inn.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Severn, of Ketchum. His son, Brad, lives in Australia, and his daughter, Michelle, resides in Red Lodge, Mont.

People have been asked to bring a favorite picture of Martin with his friends to the service to make a memorial collage. Donations should go to the Hospice of the Wood River Valley, based in Ketchum, in lieu of flowers.

 

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