I'd like to start off by expressing our family's appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, love, and support that we have received from our neighbors, the Solana Beach community, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.

We can't thank you enough. We would also like to thank Rob Hill for representing the family he has done a very good job in a difficult situation.

In 1970, our dad was offered a job as a veterinarian here in Solana Beach. Instead of showing him the animal hospital where he would work, his future business partner took him to the bluff overlooking Table Top Reef. Our dad fell in love with this place and moved our family here within a week.

Over the years, he became a fixture in Solana Beach. If your cat was sick or your dog was injured, you took it to see Dr. Martin. Around town or on the beach, most people simply called him Dave.


He wore a broad smile and a sunburned nose.
He was easygoing and a well-liked member of the community.

Always active, several years ago, he began competing in triathlons. He loved the sport and the camaraderie that came with it. As a member of the San Diego Triathlon Club, he met here every Friday morning for a swim and then breakfast.

Our family would like to thank those friends, firefighter EMT’s and especially lifeguard Mark Forster for all of their heroic efforts to try and save Dad’s life. Ultimately, his wounds were too great and he succumbed to his injuries. He died doing what he liked, surrounded by friends, in a place he loved.

Even through our grief, this gives us an inner peace. As a Christian family, we believe that our dad is in heaven and that we will see him again some day. We appreciate your continued prayers and support.

We are sorry that we cannot respond to everyone individually, and hope that you respect our privacy as we move forward. On behalf of the Martin family members here today, we are announcing the formation of the Dave Martin Scholarship Fund.

It is important today that as a family, as neighbors, and as a community we all find the personal closure we need to move beyond the grief and to acknowledge that our dad lived a wonderful and happy life.

Thank you.

The Dave Martin Scholarship Fund will be used to award scholarship money to individuals who participate in triathlons and are attending college/university level education on a full time basis. 
Specific criteria will be established and application guidelines will be published at a later date.
The Talbert Family Foundation will donate 100% of the monies received.