I am sad to tell you that George Martin passed from this life to the next on Sunday, July 16, 2023. His dynamic presence will be greatly missed by friends all over the country and beyond.

George served as Program Director of Peace Action Wisconsin from 2001 to 2009 and was co-chair of United for Peace and Justice nationally for 8 years during the Iraq War. He was a dynamic speaker at national anti-war rallies before tens of thousands of people and a great organizer behind the scenes. In recent years he has focused his energy on climate justice and the link between militarism and climate change. He has served on the steering committee of 350 Milwaukee and on the task force to develop the Milwaukee County/City plan to address climate change and economic equity. His last public appearance was a few weeks ago when he gave a powerful testimony before the City Council urging them to accept the proposed plan for climate action. He was mesmerizing. The proposal passed.

George had been struggling with health issues for the past year and for the past two months had been home recovering after a five-month hospitalization for a serious blood infection. He was slowly regaining his strength and walking without a cane. After spending a wonderful afternoon at Milwaukee's Bastille Days celebration enjoying music, seeing friends, and eating good food, he collapsed on his way out of the festival park. He most likely died instantly from a massive stroke or heart attack. After EMTs tried to save him with CPR for almost 20 minutes, his heart finally kicked in - but he never regained consciousness. There was serious damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain and a broken neck from the fall to he ground. The following day his family and I had life support removed and he slowly stopped breathing very peacefully. His last day was spent doing things he loved and he died quickly. I am grateful for that.

George and I had worked together as organizers at Peace Action Wisconsin for several years and had lived together as partners for the past seven years. I will miss him very much but know his presence and spirit will continue to live on in all those whom he touched in his life. He is now with the ancestors.

A memorial celebration of his life will be Saturday, August 5, 1 pm at Zao MKE Church, 2319 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. Many of his numerous musician friends will perform and Kevin Martin, national president of Peace Action, will be here from Washington DC to speak on behalf of the national peace movement. It will be a fine tribute to George Martin's life.

As George would always sign off -
Peace and Love,

Julie Enslow

Any memorial donations can be sent to Peace Action Wisconsin, P.O. Box 11126, Shorewood, WI 53211
Or to Casa Maria Catholic Worker, P.O. Box 05206, Milwaukee, WI 53205