John Martin:
CLASS OF 1962
Ft. Lauderdale High SchoolClass of 1962
Ft. lauderdale, FL
North Side Elementary SchoolClass of 1956
Ft. lauderdale, FL
John's Story
Dear FLHS Class of ‘62 Friends,
As some of you may know, I have been battling a very nasty form of small cell prostate cancer for almost a year. I’m sorry to say that the treatments have not been effective, and the tumors continue to grow. We have exhausted all the reasonable treatment options. Therefore, I have decided to enter a Hospice program to help me deal with my final months. I will continue to live at home with hospice staff visiting me and supporting me as needed.
At the moment, May 30, 2021, I am feeling pretty good and take great delight in talking with friends and family and playing music almost every day. I value my old FLHS friendships and would love to hear from you.
Wishing you good music and much love,
John Martin, Class of 62
Posted May 30, 2021
***My Life After FLHS: A bit surprising***
One of the most surprising things about my life (at least to me) was going to graduate school and eventually earning two master's degrees (one from a theological seminary) and a doctorate (from Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale.) In high school I was an average student, graduating in the middle of our class. After spending a few years in the U.S. Navy submarine service and then working for a year or two, I was ready for college. A late bloomer, I guess.
I spent most of my working career as a media and technology administrator at Tarrant County College, a large community college in Fort Worth, Texas. After retiring a few years ago I moved to Portland, Oregon. I am married and have two grown children and 3 grand children.
I still enjoy playing the accordion. You may remember that I played at some of our school dances. (Some accordion pictures are posted in the photos section.)
My politics are very liberal as is my theology. Equality and social justice are important elements in my politics and religion. I am happy to say that my wife, Jean, and I share similar values and ideals. Currently we are members of a Presbyterian Church (USA) where our younger son is pastor.
Life has been good to me and I am a very happy person! You can contact me at: johnjeanmartin at me dot com.
***Celebrating the Gift of Music***
There are several things I remember from my years at Fort Lauderdale High School. First, there are the outstanding teachers. One that comes to mind is George Spaulding, probably the best math or science teacher that I ever had. "Uncle George" as he was affectionately known, died just a few years ago at the ripe old age of 99. The things that I ...Expand for more
learned in his classes have stuck with me and served me well throughout my life.
Another lasting memory of FLHS is the wonderful music program and the great friends that I made in Choristers and the Mixed Chorus.
Ron Davis came to FLHS in my junior year. He quickly transformed the music program from ordinary into something extraordinary. This transformation showed me what could happen through the leadership of just one person with the right skills, training, and passion.
What I learned in FLHS helped prepare me for a life-long appreciation of and participation in choral music. After graduating from high school I joined the U.S. Navy. While serving at the naval base near Chicago I auditioned for and was accepted into membership in the Blue Jacket Choir. This group was made up of 100 men from all over the country. We rehearsed 1 to 2 hours every day standing on risers. Every Sunday we sang for three worship services at the base chapel. In addition, there were many opportunities to tour and perform in several states. It was a wonderful experience.
Because of my experience in the FLHS choral program I was prepared for the audition and had the skills to succeed in this great Navy chorus. Thank you, Ron Davis!
Not only do I remember the great leadership of Ron Davis, I also remember the great friends that I made in the choral program. Looking at the 1961 picture (posted in the photos section) I feel like I still know everyone. I would love to have them in my current circle of friends.
***Remembering Pete Mack: A life worth living***
There is at least one person in the Chorister picture who is no longer with us. Pete Mikuliak, or Pete Mack, as we knew him in his early high school days when he was using his Americanized name, was a good friend and a wonderful bass.
Pete died in 2000 after a long struggle with cancer. He had a wonderful life of service to humanity--everything from Freedom Marches in Mississippi to service in the Peace Corp.
I placed two different obituaries on Pete's Classmates page. One of these was written by his wife Pam. In her remembrances, she says, "He passionately enjoyed listening to and making good music, his taste ranging from ethnic folk to classical. He enjoyed performing Russian gypsy songs and old Brazilian sambas, but just as much enjoyed singing in the St. Vladimir's Seminary Octet, The Singing City Choir in Philadelphia."
I think that Ron Davis's choral program at FLHS had a life long impact on Pete, just as it did on me.
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