OBITUARY

David Martyn was as famous in Newport Beach for his sense of community

and camaraderie as he was respected for his expertise as an orthopedic

surgeon.

“He was a prankster and practical joker who loved to make people

laugh,” friend Ed Poole said. “He just made everyone so happy.”

Martyn died Wednesday in his sleep. He was 64.

He had his own practice in Newport Beach since 1971 and has also been

an orthopedic surgeon on staff at Hoag Hospital for 30 years.

His partner in practice and fellow physician, Nicholas Yaru, praised

Martyn as “a tremendous surgeon and an extremely trustworthy and honest

person.”

“He was good to his patients and developed several lasting

relationships with them,” he said.

Yaru said Martyn was appreciated by many for attempting conservative

treatment before resorting to surgery.

“I’m going to miss Dave’s friendship,” he said. “He was always there

to give honest second opinions on difficult cases.”Martyn is particularly

known for his contribution to Hoag Hospital. He co-founded the Hoag

Hospital Foundation’s Stag Shoot fund-raiser that helped bring in money

for the hospital.

He was also a member of the Commodores Club and chosen member of the

year in 1987.

He battled lung cancer in the 1980s and came out stronger than ever as

a champion of Hoag Hospital’s cancer center, said friend and director of

major gifts for the Hoag Hospital Foundation, Jim Dale.

“He was a true leader of people,” he said. “He was a fighter, an

inspiration, a good old boy.”

Dale said Martyn showed younger members of the community what it means

to give back.

“They learned a lot from him about volunteering and taking the time

for a good cause,” he said. “He was just loved by everyone who knew him.”

Wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Martyn said she will remember her husband as

the “rock” -- the solid foundation that supported their family.

He was very much attached to Newport Beach, she said.

“He lived here for 30 years,” Martyn said. “He watched it grow. He

liked to be part of a strong community where he knew everybody and

everybody knew him. It made him feel comfortable.”

Martyn is survived by his wife; sons David, Craig and Keith; and

grandson Peter. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at 3 p.m. Dec.

7 at Newport Center United Methodist Church, 1601 Marguerite Ave., Corona

del Mar.