TUPIN: A colorful character

FROM PAGE 9

Joy Nelson hosts bingo and deals bar poker at the Drift.

“Words to describe my friend: Arrogant, funny, straightforward, loving, caring, hard-headed and more,” she said. “There was never a question about what he was thinking about you. You could be a stranger or a great friend and he never held back. He was completely real and he encouraged me to be the same. He didn’t have an easy life, but he won at bar poker all the time, so I figured he was at least lucky at one thing. But after he went into the hospital for the last time, I realized I was wrong. He was lucky that he found our crazy Drift In family and somehow fit in. We could all butt heads at times and then share a drink and laugh together at the end of the night. I miss my friend.”

Drift In patron Mike Cunningham said, “Most people’s first impression of Marty was that he was a little prickly, but if you accepted him as he was and took the time to get to know him you would find he was a straight-up guy and a true friend. I miss his honesty, humor and frankness. The setbacks he had the last couple of years never changed the good things I loved about him.”

Drift In patron Rebecca Brodeur said, “I loved him. I went to see him during his last days. He was a good, old friend. I went to elementary school with him. He was a stinker even on the bus and at school, but he had a good heart and he was a good person. He wasn’t just a parking lot attendant. He was a great fisherman and artist too.”

Local musician Mike McConnell said, “Marty was one of those salty characters that made up the diversity at the Drift In. Our relationship was contentious at first but I believe we regarded each other as friends and we worked together at the most unique watering hole in America.”

Drift In patron Tammi McCoy said, “Every morning I’d pass by on my way to yoga and Marty would always wave to me. I loved Marty. He was a really good guy.”

Her husband, Greg, said, “You had to avoid that damn scooter he was on because he’d about run you over.”

With the help from the Drift In and Beach’N Bikes & Rentals, Marty’s scooter was donated to Cortezian and fellow amputee Kathy Barnett at the family’s request.

When asked about Marty, A.P. Bell and Star Fish Co. owner Karen Bell said, “He hadn’t been around here a lot lately, but he used to be in the village all the time when he fished and lived up in Popeye’s apartment. He was kind of a jack of all trades who usually crewed on someone else’s boat. He was as committed to his art as much as anything else and he really enjoyed painting fish on glass. He had a good heart, but he also had an edginess to him.”

Charter captain and cousin Kathe Tupin Fannon said, “Marty had the ability to piss you off but he also had the ability to make you like him. I am sure when he made it to the front gates of Heaven he was explaining to God how to run Heaven.”

Facebook Tributes

Marty’s passing also generated many Facebook comments.

Drift In owner Derek Williams wrote: “I bought the Drift In in December 2022. Marty was one of the first people to offer me a hand. He loved his Drift family and he truly had pride in our business, our parking lot and his job. He earned every tip and he made people laugh.”

Former Drift In bartender Sharon Bell wrote: “Marty was one-of-a-kind for sure; my salty parking pirate. I think his drive and spirit were so strong that he willed himself into living the past few years. He enjoyed being the center of attention and truly loved being generous. I remember him offering his food and if you didn’t take at least a little it hurt his feelings. He was a pot-stirrer for sure, but kind at his core. He was a hard worker that wanted to contribute and be as independent as he could. We are less for not having him around to antagonize us with his antics. He will be missed and always remembered.”

Charter captain and Sports Lounge bartender Sarah Santos wrote: “I met Marty a little over 12 years ago, when I lived across from Star Fish Co. in the village. He was the sweetest man and always made me feel like a million bucks! We will all miss him dearly. He was so talented.”

Sunshine Bechler wrote: “Rest in Peace Marty. Thanks for squeezing me in and out a time or two.”