Hi, my name is Kaitlyn. My father, Ted Martin, passed on March 3rd. I'm asking for help to put towards the expenses of a cremation and memorial service. My father lived in a long-term care facility and any income he received from disability and his pension went directly to covering his care at his nursing home.

My father fought many impossible battles since his first stroke in 2018, followed by a second a few months later, which ultimately led to him needing to live in a long-term nursing home. He pushed through near-death experience after the next, each time coming out of it with a joke no matter how serious the situation.

My father would have been 66 years old on March 7th. Some of you may remember him from his 20-plus years at Dolly Madison Bakery, often getting on the loudspeaker to sing 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' or 'Figueroa' for all to hear. Many may remember him from his aforementioned, never-ending jokes. Some being the same jokes I had heard my entire life, but he'd tell them like it was the first time he had told them. Most of them were terrible. He knew this, but it never stopped him from trying to bring a smile to someone's face, even if it was at his own expense. He was a complete goofball. After his strokes, he often looked forward to doctor's appointments and hospital trips just to have a new face to share his silly sense of humor with.

He was a wonderful Papa (Teddy Bear, as my 10-year-old daughter often called him) to my 3 girls. They were his reason for fighting so hard for the past 8 years. If anyone is able to donate or even share this, we would be extremely grateful for any help.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time to remember my father.