Harbor Activist Tink Martin Passes Away

The Wintrop Town Council paid tribute to Anita L. “Tink” Martin during a moment of silence at its meeting Tuesday night. Council President Peter Gill led the tribute to Martin following the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Martin passed away on September, 28.

A graduate of Wellesley College who received a Ph.D from Columbia University, Mrs. Martin was a highly respected writer for the Sun-Transcript who authored the weekly column, “Around the Waterfront.” Her affinity for the sea and expertise in all matters relating to the Winthrop waterfront were legendary.

Winthrop resident Richard Honan said this week, “Tink Martin was an advocate for the clam digger, lobsterman, fisherman, and anyone else that made their daily bread from the sea. She just had it in her blood, the need to get out the news about anything marine oriented.”

Following the council meeting, Councilor Russell Sanford and Town Manager James McKenna praised Mrs. Martin’s contributions to the town.

“I’ve known Tink Martin since I came to Winthrop in 1983,” said Sanford. “She knew everything about the waterfront, the waterways, and the harbor. I enjoyed her column each week in the Transcript. It was always very interesting and always had a point of view that conservation was first and foremost. She was very dedicated to the waterfront and she loved the water and the ocean. We’ll miss her.”

McKenna also praised Martin’s contributions to town life.

“Tink was such an advocate for the coastal issues of the town – she knew them better than anyone,” said McKenna. “We could always rely on her as an historical reference for past events related to the waterfront. She always made sure we had good care and stewardship for our waterfront. We’ll miss her dearly.”

See Obituary on page 14 of this week’s newspaper.