Martin D. Hanks

Martin D. Hanks age 58, husband of Jessica Plant Hanks, loving father of Martin Ian and Julian Avery Hanks, passed away peacefully in his home on January 27, 2016, after a difficult battle with ALS. Martin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah February 27,1957 where he lived growing up with four older brothers and later resided with his own family in Farmington, Utah for 20 years. Marty was an accomplished silversmith jeweler, master inlay artist, woodworker and well known mountain man. He and his family enjoyed years of Mountain Men Rendezvous. Marty's creations were sought after and sold throughout the country. He was a self taught guitar and harmonica player. A true treasure hunter, and lover of the natural world, nothing made him happier than going fishing with his sons. Marty maintained a lifelong deep, abiding love and affinity with the beliefs of Native Americans, where he found endless inspiration for his art work.

Marty is preceded in death by his parents, mother Dorothy Ann Brown Hanks, father Larry Ray Hanks, and brother Cory Ray Hanks.

Marty is survived by his wife Jessica Plant Hanks, sons Ian and Julian Hanks, his brothers, Terry Hanks, Randy Hanks, Scott Hanks, many nephews, nieces extended family and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the amazing ALS Clinic at the Neurosciences Center – University of Utah, Dr. Summer Bell Gibson and Dr. A. Brett Morrill. Huge thanks to the MDA organization, ALS Association, and special loving, grateful thanks to the Summit Home Health & Hospice, Marty's wonderful nurse Tyler Hunsaker, and CNN Karissa Contreras.

A celebration of Marty's life will be hosted Saturday, February 6th for close family and friends – open house 3-6 pm at his home, 1051 South 200 East, Farmington, Utah 84025.

In lieu of flowers the family urges donations considered to the ALS Association, Rocky Mountain Chapter. www.alsarockymountain.org.

Rest in peace our dear Marty, may your journey be full of the love we have for you. You left us much too soon. We will miss you forever and a day.

"I haven't a clue how my story will end, but that's all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that's when you discover the stars." Nancy Willard