David Martin (governor) - Later Life

Later Life

Martin knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1988, shortly before being appointed the Governor of New South Wales. Following his appointment as Governor of New South Wales, Martin set about establishing a relationship between his office as Governor and the people of New South Wales. He soon became known as "the people's Governor".

Just three days before his death, Martin resigned as governor due to an advancing medical condition. He made arrangements for the Sir David Martin Foundation to be established, which runs programs that help young homeless and disadvantaged Australians.

Sir David died on 10 August 1990 of pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos during his naval career. He engendered much respect and sympathy when seen struggling for breath during the final days of his service as Governor.

At his funeral the Premier of New South Wales, Nick Greiner, said:

With the sad passing last week of Sir David Martin, Australia lost one of its most distinguished citizens. After a proud career of public service with the Royal Australian Navy, Sir David made the Office of Governor of New South Wales extremely accessible. —Nick Greiner,

His service in the Royal Australian Navy is commemorated in the Naval Chapel, Garden Island NSW. Martin married Suzanne Millea in 1957 and had three children, one of whom is a Captain in the Royal Australian Navy.

On 15 June 1988, the Queen appointed Martin a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) just before his appointment as Governor of New south Wales.