Richard Martin (Ricardo, Richard, Ric) died October 7, 2025, at about 6 AM.
Richard was a founding member of the Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association whose mission included “an equal opportunity for all” to gain access to a river trip in Grand Canyon while protecting the resource. To this end, Richard was a board member and sometimes president of the organization. He had a steady and firm hand at the oars of the organization through negotiations, lawsuits, and membership crises until the long overdue Colorado River Management Plan was published and implemented in 2006.
Richard’s sense of fair play, his deft negotiating, and his deep understanding of the complexities of river management were instrumental in bringing about the latest revision of the Colorado River Management Plan which helped equalize and stabilize the proportion of river use in Grand Canyon between commercial and non-commercial boaters while at the same time creating a more peaceful Lees Ferry and on river experience for all. During the decade long struggle to achieve this parity, from his home in Jerome, AZ, Richard was publisher and editor of a quarterly journal, The WaitList (aka The Waiting List) which was loaded with stories and information by leaders in the field such as Katie Lee, Ellen Tibbetts, and many others including outfitters, managers, scientists and GCPBA members.
Upbeat to the end, Ricardo loved everyone, even the people he didn’t like, which were very few. In memoriam we salute you, old friend, and cut your bowline. Throw bag us when you reach the shore.
David Yeamans
Past President
Grand Canyon Private Boaters Association
P.S. Even after he retired, board members sought Richard’s thoughtful, stable council in dealing with issues that confronted the Association. His even demeanor and ability to not let emotions color his thinking, helped us make better informed decisions that greatly improved the experience for private boaters. Our private boating world is better for having Ricardo’s guidance.