Gail Martin, founder of Martin Archery he began with his wife in the early 1950s, died July 21 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash., due to complications from heart failure. He was 89.

Martin and his wife began the company by creating strings and fletching arrows at their kitchen table. Not unlike some other of today’s big companies that started small, they built their reputation on consistency, reliable products, good customer service and it grew into a multi-generational company that thrives today.

Martin was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame in 2011. Martin bows have been used for years by hunters including former prostaffer Ted Nugent, and a Martin Mamba recurve was used to launch a flaming arrow at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

For the full obituary from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, go here.