Dr. Martin Robert Haig, 98, of Nederland, received his angel wings on October 28, 2022.
Marty was born on April 27, 1924, to Robert and Esther Haig in Lynn, MA. After graduation from Tufts College in Boston, Marty joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served during World War II, in the Pacific as an Ensign. Marty later became an Executive Officer, second in command, on his ship. After the war, Marty returned to Tufts, attending Medical School where he graduated with a medical degree in 1950.
Marty finished his internship at the US Navy Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and went on to complete his 3-year Orthopedic residency, from 1951-1954 at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, NY. Marty then did a 1-year Orthopedic residency at LSU Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA.
In 1956 Marty arrived in Port Arthur, TX, passing his Boards to become a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Marty started his career practicing Orthopedic medicine with Dr. Walter Glass.
In 1958, Marty was a founding member of Park Place Medical Hospital, where he had the honor of being Chief of Staff twice in his career, once from 1964-1965, and again from 1993-1994. Marty also served on numerous committees from 1990 until 2003; Marty was devoted to making Park Place a destination for talented medical professionals, often mentoring new doctors. Marty also practiced at Jefferson County Medical Hospital and at St. Mary’s Hospital.
In 2005 the Medical Center of Southeast Texas opened, where Marty was one of the key founding members. Marty continued to practice, serve, and dedicate his time in varied leadership positions, providing guidance on core committees with an emphasis on medical and surgical credentials.
Marty’s early career at LSU Charity Hospital instilled a strong belief of the importance of giving back, and Marty embraced and quietly demonstrated this value throughout his time in Texas. Marty faithfully devoted over 40-years to the Hughen Center, site of Bob Hope School and Herbert Adult Center in Port Arthur, who, for seventy-five years has provided services to children and adults with physical disabilities. Marty was instrumental in bringing physical and occupational therapies to the Hughen School and told many stories about the wonderful children, and their families with whom he interacted throughout the years.
Over his 55-year career, Marty was a dedicated doctor who touched many lives through his healing and caring ways, and could often be heard singing down the hallways, cheering up his patients. Though Marty retired in 2014, his love for medicine never dimmed. After retirement, he would frequently visit the Doctor’s Lounge, chatting with his business partner and friend, Dr. Carl Beaudry, and other colleagues on the latest medical technique or the current sport scores, especially his beloved Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Dallas Cowboys.
Marty’s family meant so much to him. His mother, father and sister traveled with him to Texas as he was starting his career. Sadly, his father was tragically killed in a pedestrian accident enroute. Marty was very protective of his mother, sister, and brother-in-law whom he cared for until their deaths. Marty has a daughter, Diana Haig, in Reidsville, NC, whom he adored. Diana shared Marty’s love of reading, and appreciation of history. They could often be heard talking about their fondness for the New York Time’s crossword puzzle or their affinity for linguistics.
Recently, Marty was asked to create a biography. He carefully and humbly wrote out his life’s accomplishments. At the very end of the bio he wrote, “Married Doris Bay, lived happily ever after.” This beautifully sums up the love he had with Doris. He and Doris had many adventures: traveling, enjoying their growing family, and faithfully serving God. In May they gratefully celebrated their 30th anniversary, which was a blessing to all who know and love them.
Marty could often be heard singing little songs about the people he loved and, to much amazement, could also recite poems and passages from his childhood years.
Marty was selfless in his giving of his time to the community in which he served. His son-in-law, Rudy, once asked him if looking back on his life, he would have changed anything. Marty replied, “I would have helped more people.” There is no shortage of touching stories of Marty’s compassion which he showed through generously helping others who were not able to help themselves.
Marty was proceeded in death by his father, Robert, his mother, Esther, his sister Virginia “Ginnie” Winam, her husband, Frank, and his stepson, Chet Domingue.
Marty is survived by his wife of 30 years, Doris, his daughter Diana and her son, Jack, his stepdaughter Deanna Elizondo, her husband Rudy, along with their family: Nick Elizondo, his wife Myrinda and son Martin, Britney Hamilton, her husband Tate, and their family Elysse, Leilani, Brysen, and Amelia, Amy Barker and her husband Ryan, and Josh Elizondo, his wife Bethany, and daughter Nova, and his stepdaughter Donna McPherson, her husband Buster, and their family: Kimberly & Greg Kenjura and son Parker, and Kelly & Jason Genovese and their daughter Rowan. Marty loved his growing family; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought so much joy to him and Doris.
Marty’s ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at Levingston Funeral Home, in Groves, Texas on Saturday, November 19th. Visitation will start at 1:00 PM, with the memorial service starting at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask you consider a donation in Marty’s name to The United Methodist Temple or The Hughen Center both located in Port Arthur or the charity of your choice.