Marty Benthin

I have had several different jobs since school but most have had something to do with construction, which started with the building trades program in high school. I have been a licensed builder and self employed since august 1999, At that time I was given the opportunity to work with the building trades program at schoolcraft, with my elder teacher and mentor Bob Crissman. I was the technicial assistant for the class for 3 years and had a good time being on the other side of the teacher / student relationship. During this time I was also involved with other activities at the old school including running the clock for girls basketball, being a member of the J.V. football chain gang (thanks to randy rice and john krum) and a part timer on the Varsity Chain gang. One of my best accomplishments has to be the opportunity to help rebuild the press box when it was destroyed by a storm. It's pretty cool to show up at a game and be able to see something that I was able to give back to my school. Whoda thought. I was a member of the Schoolcraft / South Kalamazoo County fire dept. for 21 years, serving as firefighter, Officer and Fire Chief at one point, before retiring in 2001. I am currently employed in the Commercial Building Maintenance industry and still do remodeling and construction on the side.

My father died accidently in 1988, I still miss him. My two kids were born in 87 and 89 and I think he would have been a good grandpa. My mom lives in Portage, MI. My sister Tammi lives in Oklahoma, My sister Sue still lives in Schoolcraft with her family.My daughter Abbi graduated from SHS and then Chic University of Cosmetology. She moved to Memphis, TN. in December 08, and is employed as a hair stylist / cosmetoligist. My son Bruce graduated from SHS and is about to begin his sophmore year at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. My wife Laurie is employed with the Bronson Healthcare group. We just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary.

The most exciting place for me would have be the upper penninsula of michigan. I have been there many times and always find new and better places of natural beauty. The most exiting thing I have done has to be Build. To be able to go back later and see something you built or helped build is a wonderful feeling. I have been given the opportunity to work for some people that were part of my life while growing up, Doug Knobloch, Mike Steil, Doug and Kelly Ryskamp, Bob Crissman, Rob Coffman, Bev Michaelson, Wayne and Jean Hamming, John Krum, Larry Harris, Jerry Harris and many others. I hope to be able to continue serving and giving back to the community that, although at one time I felt different, helped raise and teach me.