Martin Blase Mead

With heavy hearts we share the passing of the unconventional and larger-than-life Martin Blase Mead of Smyrna (Belding), MI. At age 66, Marty passed away on July 3 at Trinity Hospital and has begun his next great adventure. Marty had a passion for life and nature: He loved fishing, pontooning with a cold cocktail to watch the sunset, and driving the back roads, especially to Whites Bridge. He took great pride in cultivating large flower patches and monster pumpkins on his farm, and he always enjoyed dining out and attending live music performances. He was an animal lover, keeping goats, peafowl, horses, cats and dogs; he always pulled over to help turtles safely cross the road.

Professionally, Martin was highly regarded as Michigan’s top private practice attorney for Driver’s License Restoration. Although he wasn't a churchgoer, his faith was deep, he prayed daily and had an unwavering moral compass.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, family, numerous friends, colleagues, and beloved dog, Bear. In accordance with his wishes, an eye tissue donation was made to EverSight. In keeping with Marty's wishes for a casual, informal celebration of life rather than a funeral, an open house style gathering will be held Thursday, Sept. 10 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Fallasburg Park enclosed shelter in Lowell, MI. Beverages, chips, and dip will be served. Please dress casually so you can explore and enjoy the beautiful park surroundings. You're welcome to drop in at any time during the gathering. He is survived by his wife, brothers Tim (Jana) Mead, Jim Kubicek, Dale (Connie) Mead; mother-in-law Dee Hanulcik, in-laws Cat Perrigo, Carol Hanulcik, Andy (Cindy) Hanulcik, and Alex (Kristen) Hanulcik, and many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins.

Marty was a very giving person and a firm believer in paying it forward. He and his wife chose to donate money to charities instead of buying birthday, holiday, or anniversary gifts for each other. If you wish to honor his memory, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities:

- Cat Trap Fever (taking cats from feral to family) 

- Kid's Food Basket (No Kid Hungry Official Charity)

- Enchanted Tails Animal Rescue (rescuing animals of all shapes and sizes and placing them in their perfect forever homes)