Clifford Martinka
Well renowned wildlife research scientist Clifford Johnson Martinka, 75, passed away at his home in Nokomis, Fla., on March 18, 2014.
He was in born in Providence, R.I., on April 14, 1938. Cliff grew up in York, Pa., and was educated at William Penn High School, Penn State University and Montana State University-Bozeman, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s in science.
After graduating from college, Cliff worked for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Glasgow, Havre and Lewistown. His research eventually led him to Glacier National Park, where he became the chief scientist for the Park and ultimately built one of the largest National Park research programs in the country, along with initiating some of the first grizzly bear research ever conducted in Glacier Park.
Towards the latter part of his career, Cliff was placed in charge of research under the U.S. Geological Survey for Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain national parks, where he traveled extensively to present papers throughout Western Europe and Southeast Asia.
After 33 years as a wildlife researcher and administrator, Cliff retired to a warmer climate. He and wife Valeria moved to Nokomis, Fla., in 2000. Fishing, boating and birding became his dominant pastimes.
Cliff was also an extremely talented photographer and painter. He loved music and could often be heard singing along to his favorite Frank Sinatra tunes.
Cliff is survived by his wife Valeria, of nearly 54 years; three children, Col. Steven Clifford Martinka, of Helena, Kathryn Ann Devoll, of Redding, Calif., and Karen Martinka Code, of Denver, Colo.; sister Judy Ericson, of Waynesboro, Va.; brother Bob Martinka, of Helena; and his beloved Maltese dog Boomer, who never left his side.
A remembrance gathering was held in Venice, Fla., on March 21, 2014.
Memorial donations can be made to The Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford CA 94309.