Martin S. (Lefty) Suloff, age 96, of Elkton, Oregon, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 17, 2016, at Chateau Gardens Memory Care in Springfield.

He was born on November 11, 1919, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Donald Francis and Elizabeth (Lillian) Suloff, but was raised in his early years by his grandparents, Martin Aloysius and Mary Ellen Burdock. Martin graduated from St. Bridget's Catholic grade school in June of 1935.

In 1936, he joined a merchant ship for a memorable voyage to the Mediterranean, stopping in Malta, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Portugal, serving as an apprentice fireman. Returning to the states, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and headed west in 1937. His first camp was at Camp Canby (Ilwaco), Washington, but soon was transferred to Camp Gunter out of Drain, Oregon. He was selected to help plan and construct Camp Elkton, where he spent the remainder of his "CCC" time.

Martin was drafted October 13, 1941, and shortly thereafter joined the regular army. After training as an engineer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, he shipped out to Iceland January of 1942. In April 1944, his unit was transferred to England, going ashore at Omaha Beach on "D" plus six as part of the 9th Army. During his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Overlord Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His unit received a Presidential Unit Citation awarded for action during the Ruhr River Crossing. Martin was detached as a Master Sergeant on November 7, 1945.

After returning to Oregon, he married Oretha Helen Hudson of Elkton on January 19, 1947, and the couple settled in Elkton. With the exception of a year back in the Army during the Korean War, Martin worked as a logger for a number of different companies until his retirement in 1981.

Martin was a soft spoken man of high moral character and was devoted to his family. He was active for years in churches in Wells Creek and Elkton. While his children were young he quit smoking and drinking to prevent them acquiring these habits from him. He started a Boy Scout troop and became Scoutmaster helping his son and many other boys benefit from this program. Vacations were frequently spent accompanying his troop on campouts. He headed Elkton's hunter's safety program for years teaching safe rifle handling. He seldom missed either of his children's school and athletic programs, frequently driving for hours for football and basketball games, even as his son participated in sports through college.

Martin is survived by his two children, Don and Suzanne; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Dad was greatly loved, respected, and appreciated by his family and his memory will be honored and cherished.

At his request, Martin was cremated and his ashes spread in his beloved rose garden at the family property in Kellogg. A celebration of his life will be held at the Elkton Christian Church at a date to be announced.