We are deeply saddened to note the passing of Julian Martin on March 24—a true friend of the mountains. His activism on the be- half of protection for West Virginia’s lands and communities went beyond our group, and we treasured the time and talents that he brought to the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy.

Julian served on our board as Vice President for State Affairs; he lobbied, wrote articles and letters to editors, made presentations at schools, escorted students to a mountaintop removal site, helped with stream testing in areas polluted by mining, “tabled” at events, represent- ed us at protests, and more.

He devised the slogan and design of our “I ♥ Mountains” bumper stickers, and enthusias- tically distributed them. Throughout his life he was a teacher, a mentor and a writer.

We were lucky beyond measure that he was part of our organization.

Family, friends, former students and all who held him dear are invited to celebrate his life on April 22 at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek. There will be visitation from 12 to 3 p.m. with eulogy at 3 p.m.

The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy will be gathering tributes, memories, and stories about Julian to further commemorate his legacy in the May issue of The Highlands Voice.