It is with deep sadness that the firm announces the loss of one of its founding partners, Allen Martin. Martin passed away on the morning of June 19th, embraced by the enduring love of his wife Bonnie Reid Martin and his family. Along with Downs Rachlin Martin’s founding partners John Downs and Robert Rachlin, he created an environment of excellence at our firm. With much humility and appreciation, we look to carry that tradition forward.
Martin was fortunate to share his life with Bonnie, who was his best friend, fellow adventurer and a constant source of love and care. He is also survived by his son, Sam and his wife Drayton, and their two sons, Allen and Peter. Martin was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s son, Patrick, survives Martin. The full obituary may be viewed here.
Martin first lived in St. Johnsbury in 1965, serving as a judicial law clerk to Judge Sterry Waterman. He returned to St. Johnsbury to work at the firm, then named “Downs Rachlin”, in 1969, joining partner John H. Downs, Robert D. Rachlin and James C. Gallagher. Martin relocated his practice to the firm’s South Burlington office in 1980.
Martin’s areas of practice included mergers and acquisitions in both the public and private sector, which involved a wide variety of clients. His corporate finance practice involved advice to corporations considering initial public offerings, to corporations listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and to a wide variety of private companies and limited partnerships seeking to raise capital both for acquisition and other purposes.
His health care practice included a leading role in creating and advising Vermont’s first and largest health care delivery system.
While Martin retired from Downs Rachlin Martin in 2003, he left an indelible imprint on the firm. He had a dramatic impact on the careers of many attorneys. “When you worked with Allen, you believed that you were part of something momentous,” notes Peter Kunin, a director in the Intellectual Property Law Group and Managing Partner. “One of Allen’s many gifts was ‘building people up’ – never tearing down. It was built into his DNA. Allen mentored many of us, and much of what we see as the best of our firm today can be traced to his example.”
“He introduced us to his clients, he critiqued our work, he modeled how we should treat each other, and he was incredibly smart and intellectually curious,” said David Sylvester, a director in the firm’s Business Law Group and Deputy Managing Partner. “He is long-remembered for his inspirational leadership, tireless work ethic, generous spirit and the boundless confidence that he showed in the firm’s attorneys and staff.”
A memorial service and celebration of a life well lived will be held at the North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on 21 July 2019 at 2:30 p.m., with a private burial to occur at a later date. There will be a reception following the service at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum.