Martin King Ketcham, beloved son and father, was born on October 20, 1956 in Seattle, Washington. He lived his early years in Topeka, Kansas and Roswell, New Mexico. At the age of about 8, his parents, Lt. Col. Don Ketcham (USAF Ret.) and Mrs. Diane Ketcham, built a family home on Fox Island, Washington.

Marty grew up on the water, and spent a lot of time with his friends, many of whom he kept in contact with after graduation. He was very athletic, and he loved to play football.

Marty graduated from Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Washington. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Seattle University, and was published in a variety of publications. Marty earned his living by designing websites, especially within the healthcare industry.

For several years, Marty has been living in Southern California, where he spent a lot of time surfing, writing and painting. Marty once said that the only time he could really be himself was while he was surfing, which he did every day.