Logan Martin, who had key role in rebuilding St. Bernard Parish, dies at age 44
December 28, 2010 Times Picayune
Submitted by N.O.V.A.


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Logan Martin, who played a major role in rebuilding St. Bernard Parish after Hurricane Katrina, died on
Christmas Eve morning of a heart attack. He was 44.

Mr. Martin, who lived in Metairie, was the director of public works for St. Bernard and had worked in that
department since 1993. Since becoming director about two years ago, he oversaw all parish recovery projects
from the construction of fire stations, parks, gyms and drainage pumping stations, to leading the technical
review of more than $200 million in street and roadway projects.

"He will be sorely missed," St. Bernard President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. said on Tuesday. "His dedication and
commitment to St. Bernard has been evident throughout our recovery and he embodied the neighborly spirit of
St. Bernard Parish."

His death was due to an abnormality in his left coronary artery that had been with him since birth, but
undetected until death, according to parish officials.

Friends and family recall stories of Mr. Martin stuffing weatherproofing in floodwall cracks during
Hurricane Gustav and travelling to Baton Rouge daily after Katrina to deliver receipts and vouchers straight
to FEMA's doorstep, hoping to speed up the receipt of needed construction money.

In addition to his work with St. Bernard, Mr. Martin is remembered for his many hats: "father, husband,
brother, uncle, friend, son, confidant, leader, artist, chef, comedian, outdoorsman and, last but not least,
Saints fan," said Steve Rivas, Mr. Martin's fellow Jesuit High School classmate, LSU college roommate, and
longtime friend and neighbor.

"He was the most dedicated, passionate man I know," said Rivas, whom the Martin family had asked to speak
for them.

His nickname was Lucky Logan, and he'd often answer the phone that way. His distinctive sense of humor was
evidenced by his "war cry" -- "aww-eeee!!" -- which he would sound "when everything was going his way, which
was often," Rivas said Tuesday.

Mr. Martin had just started teaching his sons, Brody Logan Martin, 13, and Wyatt Logan Martin, 9, duck
hunting, a sport he'd learned from his own father.

Other survivors include his wife, Lisette Vicknair Martin; his father, Edward Joseph Martin Jr.; and his
mother, Loretta Logan Martin.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, with a Mass starting at noon at the Chapel of the North
American Martyrs on the Jesuit High School campus, 4133 Banks St. in New Orleans. Interment will follow at
Garden of Memories, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie.

In lieu of flowers, the family says donations may be made to Jesuit High School for the Logan J. Martin
Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be offered, and additional information found, at
www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.