William H. "Bill" "Billy" "Uquviar" Martin III
Apr 28, 1944 -
May 24, 2020
William H. Martin III, "Bill," "Billy," "Uquviar," passed away in his home after a brief illness on the evening of Sunday, May 23, 2020. Forever on point, this Vietnam Veteran left the eve of Memorial Day.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1944, by the time he was 18 Bill had hitchhiked to all of the states in the Lower 48 and decided to join the Army. He served a tour of Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division and was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as a drill sergeant in 1969. He and his Swedish wife Birgitta fell in love with the state and dreamed of returning. Towards the end of his military career, they got their wish, getting stationed at Fort Richardson in 1983. Trained as a facilitator, after retiring from the Army, he worked for the Federal Women's program.
Bill had a deep commitment to civil rights and social justice. He found his calling in 1997 - to serve veterans, and for 20 years has been working tirelessly to help Anchorage veterans and their families feel loved, supported, understood and empowered. The VA's Dr. Camilla Madden: "He did everything possible to care for all veterans and those in active duty, especially the underserved: the homeless; those with mental health conditions, especially with PTSD; and those who have been marginalized as in the LGBTQ community whom he stood up for and championed. His commitment was unparalleled."
Bill himself found healing in the Alaska wilderness. An avid hiker and outdoorsman, he escaped into the woods as often as he could with a favorite hiking companion.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Birgitta Linnea Aghed; daughter, Kelly; and son, Sean. In addition, he has nieces and nephews in Sweden, a number of adopted family here in Alaska and Outside, and a slew of "Sisters and Brothers from other Mothers" who mourn his passing.
A Celebration of Life is to be determined. Consider donating to support Homeless Veterans through The Alaska Veterans Affairs, Voluntary Services - "In Memory of William (Bill) Martin." For more information, Peggy Bateman, Voluntary Service Specialist, 907-375-2620; peggy.bateman@va.gov.
