Martin "Bear" Starr

Martin “Haleesea” Charles Starr, 71 of Auburn, WA entered into rest on August 2, 2018.  Martin was born May 30, 1947 to George and Leona Goudy Starr.  Martin was best known by everyone as “Bear” and was an enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal Member and Yakama descendant. 

Bear was a US Army Veteran having served in the Vietnam War.  Bear enjoyed the outdoors as he spent 25+ years logging for Weyerhauser and Degrauss, hunting, fishing, and most of all picking huckleberries.  Bear also enjoyed playing baseball in his younger years with his brothers and eventually played softball with his brothers, sisters and children throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Bear married Ollie Beavert in December 1972 and together made their home in Auburn, WA.  Bear is also survived by his brothers, George “Rabbit,” Mike, Alfred, Carl “Bobe” and Jack Starr all of Auburn, WA.  Sisters, Georgianna “Dutchie” and Earnestine Starr of Auburn, WA and Regina “Titter” Howell of Toppenish, WA.  He is also survived by his four daughters, Sandra, Florence, Mary and Leona Starr; one son, Ike Elkins all of Auburn, WA and “Partner” Russel Rodrigues of Enumclaw, WA.  Bear is also survived by seven grandchildren, Charlie, David, LaShawna, Resa, Carl, Leslie and Lyena Xavier McMillen, Whitney and Jacob Rodrigues.  One great grandson, Ruben Bradley and many cousins, nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Bear was preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin “Tuffy” Starr, grandparents Apas and Amy Goudy, and Uncles Herman Goudy, Norman “Jiggs” Starr, Apas “JR” Goudy and Aunt Regina Webber.

Dressing services will be Sunday, August 5 @ 1pm at the family home in Auburn, WA.  Following will be candlelight service and wake at the Muckleshoot Indian Shaker Church.  Candlelight service and viewing on Monday, August 6 starting at 8am at Muckleshoot Indian Shaker Church.  After services, family will depart for Toppenish Community Center in Toppenish, WA.  Services upon arrival and wake overnight at Toppenish Community Center.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 7 starting at 7am.  Interment will follow at Toweatmy Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martin "Bear" Starr, please visit our floral store.