Grandchildren were his pride and joy

The birth of twin grandchildren had transformed Dr James Martin into a doting grandfather, his daughter revealed yesterday.

Corinthia Richards told the Bermuda Sun that her pioneering father had become devoted and charmed by her children, James and Bronte, in the last year of his life.

The twins were born in July 2012 and affectionately knew their grandfather, who died last week, as ‘Grand Bear’.

Mrs Richards said: “It really was amazing to see dad’s transformation with the arrival of the twins.

“He seemed much more relaxed and happy and truly amazed by the blessing of twins.

“I know he carries their fond memories with him in his heart always.”

Mrs Richards, who grew up in Bermuda but now lives in the US with her husband, George, returned to the island in the wake of her father’s tragic death last week.

A kayaker found his body close to Agar Island on June 24.

She told the Sun: “Our father-daughter conversations were not the usual.

“He explained pebble-bed reactors, using Nano science to cure cancer, large scale hydroponic farming, and building skins which generated solar electricity.

Passionate

“He was deeply passionate about bringing back the longtails — he and Paul built several nests for them  on Agars.

“At his Vermont home he trained his butterfly koi fish to come for treats; meow-mix is their favourite.

“The ocean and his ponds were his favourite retreat and place of refuge.

“He loved the water and loved to swim, it usually lowered his blood pressure.

“He loved to be surrounded by plants and flowering gardens and he admired the people in his life who were dedicated to both.

“He was quiet, except on his lecture stage, and gentle and kind.

“The last year of his was his most special as he became the Grand Bear to his twin grandchildren, James Martin Richards and Bronte Elizabeth Ashby Richards.” 

‘His mind and intellect live on in his books and gardens’

A close friend of Dr James Martin has paid an emotional tribute to the world-renowned computer pioneer.

Christine Watlington, who helped Dr Martin create the spectacular gardens on Agar Island, said Dr Martin had a passion for plants and colour.

And she told the Bermuda Sun that his extraordinary work would live on after his death through his books, gardens and the school he created in Oxford.

Mrs Watlington, who had known Dr Martin for more than 35 years, added:  “Jim had a passion for plants; he travelled the world not only for global research to find ways to save the planet but also looking at flora.

“He loved colour and surrounded himself with colourful plants and people.

“Agar Island is a place designed with his love of collecting plants and statues from far flung places.

“He is a most beloved friend whom we love for so many reasons.”

Dr Martin lived in Bermuda for several years before buying Agar Island in Hamilton Harbour.

Temple

He created a private retreat, incorporating parts of a 19th century British Army gunpowder store and the original Bermuda Aquarium into the design, which included a 300-year-old temple brought from Bali.

Mrs Watlington added: “In the late 1970’s, in his early days in Bermuda, he explored wild areas that remained intact and marvelled at the splendour of Bermuda wilderness.

“His beloved daughter, grandchildren, wife, family at large, friends and colleagues will take care of his memory.

“His mind and intellect live on in his books, the gardens he created all over the world, his school in Oxford and beyond.

“All who knew him now live in a world where his life has touched them like no other.”