Larry Martin, former President of the Recreation and Park Commission, member of the Human Rights Commission, President of the Transport Workers Union Local 250-A and longtime Muni employee, passed away on October 16. The following City leaders and community advocates offered their thoughts on Martin:

Mayor Edwin M. Lee:

“Our City was fortunate to benefit from the commitment of Larry Martin, a valuable community member who championed a wide array of causes and helped push through numerous essential policy measures during his years of service for San Francisco.

He was a dedicated City employee whose career began at Muni in 1966. Along with acting as the President of the Recreation and Park Commission, Larry was a respected leader of the Transport Workers Union Local 250-A and a pillar of San Francisco’s African-American community. His lifelong activism with the unions made him known to many as the ‘members’ President.’ 

I always enjoyed working with Larry when he was on the Human Rights Commission and I was the commission’s Executive Director. He was a kind, affable person whose collegial presence on the commission helped instill an atmosphere of productive, respectful dialogue.

We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown:

“Larry Martin was both a consummate professional and a dedicated public servant. He honored the men and women of the labor movement every day of his life by fighting for their rights and well-being. At the same time, Larry worked hard on behalf of the general public, the people of San Francisco, who benefited from his wisdom and dedication to the city he loved.”

Board President London Breed:

“Mr. Martin was an amazing person with a tremendous legacy here in San Francisco. Whether it was shaping policies for our city agencies, advocating on the behalf of his fellow union members or fighting for the civil rights of the City’s African-American community, he always sought to uphold the values of our city. The impact of his endeavors will be experienced by San Franciscans for generations to come.”

James Bryant, Western Regional Director of the A. Philip Randolph Institute San Francisco:

“Larry was a great union leader of many men and women, a superior bargainer for the union members he represented and a mentor of many African Americans who braved to become union leaders, when they had not been before.”

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