Martin J Nay

Martin J. Nay

Panguitch, Utah

Our beloved dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend, Martin J Nay, passed away peacefully early Monday morning at his daughter’s home in Plain City, due to health complications. Martin was born on December 12, 1958 in Panguitch, Utah to William J Nay, Jr. and Karen Giles Worthen Nay.

Family was the world to him and he always worked hard to provide for them. He loved his dear wife, children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, brothers and sister, cousins, and all of his friends. He loved the lake, fishing, playing jokes on people, and was passionate about his work.

Martin fell in love with his eternal sweetheart, Collette Hatch, as a teenager, and they were married June 21, 1980 in the St George Temple. During their 23 years of marriage, they enjoyed working and playing hard, both as a couple, and as a family. His favorite place on earth was Lake Powell. It was always "the more the merrier" and he loved to take his kids and all of their friends along. Many of his loved ones learned to water-ski with Martin as their coach, patiently encouraging them from the boat. He loved to laugh, and especially loved to make other people laugh.

Martin’s motto was, "If you can cut it, trim it, mow it, or kill it—I can do it." He worked tirelessly running his two businesses, "Nay’s Custom Meats" and "Martin’s Lawn Service" alongside his children, teaching them the definition of hard work. One of Martin’s most well-known traits was his ability to connect with those in the community who needed a friend and a confidence boost. He befriended and hired many youth who leaned on him for support and guidance. Martin loved to help people, even strangers, both physically and financially. He often stopped to hand someone, who looked down on their luck, some cash. He put the well-being of others before his own needs. As the Chief of Police in Panguitch, he implemented the car wash program at the Garfield County Jail, which still continues today. After his time in the police department, Martin served as Panguitch Justice Court Judge for several years.

Martin loved his four children, three sons-in-law, and five grandchildren with all his heart. He made frequent trips to stay with each of them, and loved the time they spent together, even after his health was suffering considerably. Martin lost his wife and best friend, Collette, almost 14 years ago; and has missed her very, very much. He loved to talk about their memories together, and looked forward to being reunited with her.

Martin leaves behind his children: Ashlee (Ahmad) Milby, Brittney (DJ) Feller, Courtney (Kyle) Gay, and Cole Nay "Tug"; grandchildren: Naomi, Maddie, Isaiah, Josie and Elijah; his mother, Karen Nay; and brothers, LaMar and Joe Nay. He is preceded in death by his wife, Collette Hatch Nay; father, William "Junior" Nay; brother, Terry Nay; and sister, LaRae Nay.

In memory of Martin, his children will be hosting an open house at Martin’s home in Panguitch Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. and again on Friday following the funeral. Please feel free to stop by during this time to visit with the family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Panguitch Stake Center. Burial will be in the Panguitch City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com .

As per Martin’s request, in lieu of flowers, balloons and cupcakes are welcome, he always wanted it to be a party.