The community mourns the loss of David Martin, who many knew from his position as chef and owner of the Turtle Island Cafe in Willsboro, NY. Read the full obituary below.

David Kendall Martin II
October 07, 1961 – September 21, 2018

David Kendall Martin II, renowned chef and owner of Turtle Island Cafe, Willsboro, passed away Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at his home.

David was born Oct. 7, 1961, grew up in West Chazy and, as an Adirondack 46er, called the mountains home.

He was a high honors graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park with accolades including multiple invitations as guest chef of the James Beard House in Manhattan and working with Wolfgang Puck at California’s Napa Valley Wine Auction. Looking to head back to the mountains, David opened the Turtle Island Cafe in Willsboro in 2004.

Second only to David’s love of cooking was his love of skiing. He was a former US Ski Team member and called Whiteface Mountain home. David could be found most days skiing at the mountain prior to heading back to the restaurant. Most recently he focused on helping others and inspiring them to catch his love of that mountain as a member of Whiteface Host Patrol. The comradery of his fellow host patrol members and the joy of helping others were reigniting his love of skiing all over again in a new way.
Left to cherish the memory of David are his loving wife Mimi; beloved daughter Mackenzie; parents David and Pat Martin; sisters Annie Wallace and Liz Friedman; brother Peter Martin; and niece and nephews Noah, Emily, Simon, Sam, Casey, and Finn.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A celebration of David’s life will follow at 5:30 p.m. at the top of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway.

Donations in his memory may be made to an education fund for his daughter, Mackenzie; payable to: Miriam Lane.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055. To offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of David Martin please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com (Press Republican)

Thoughts from the Community

If you have any words you’d like to share about David, please leave a comment or contact us and we can add it to this post.

“We enjoyed many special dinners at the Turtle Island over the years. David’s love for fine cuisine was evident in his varied menu, seasonal specials, use of local produce, impressive wine and beer list, and creative presentation. What a nice touch to receive the bill with chocolate mints for each guest, too. He cared for his guests, and his passing is a big loss for the community.” —Will and Kathy Reinhardt

“Sadly a pillar of our community has left us. David was such a strong and wonderful personality, and a marvelous chef. The highlight of our many visits to Turtle Island over many years was seeing David, and, if we were lucky, having a few minutes to chat with him…about so many things. We will miss him very much and the culinary excellence that he brought to the north country.” —Miriam Klipper