Martin Alvin Flannes

Martin A. Flannes died in Hailey, Idaho on July 8, 2024, following a brief illness. 

Marty lived in Hailey since 2002, moving from Redondo Beach, CA, in order to enjoy the outdoor life and the close community. In Hailey, Marty continued his legal practice, focusing on concerns close to his heart, such as the environment, civic engagement, and sustainable development. Marty was well-known for his work on a number of local boards, including Blaine County Education Foundation, Sun Valley Wellness Festival, Blaine County Hunger Coalition, and The Mountain Humane of Wood River Valley.

Marty was born in Pasadena, CA on April 16, 1952 to parents Barbara Sanborn Flannes and Robert L. Flannes, both of whom preceded him in death. Marty grew up in Monrovia, CA, where he attended elementary, junior high, and high school.

in high school, Marty demonstrated impressive qualities in academics (ongoing member of the scholarship society), athletics (varsity basketball and varsity tennis teams), and social relationships (leadership positions in numerous organizations). In retrospect, Marty clearly demonstrated during these years that he would always be viewed as the epitome of the renaissance man, someone who could, and did, succeed in many different endeavors. 

Following his mother, grandparents, and great-aunt, he attended Stanford University, graduating in 1974, A.B. Economics, with Distinction, and Phi Beta Kappa. Marty was a member of the tennis team, and spent a semester at the Stanford program in Germany.

After Stanford, Marty attended law school at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), graduating in 1977 (J.D. Law) in the top 15% of his class.

He then joined the law firm of Paul Hastings Janofsky (now Paul Hastings), a highly regarded firm serving corporate clients in a variety of industries. 

Marty was recruited to serve as a member of the Presidential Transition Team for Bill Clinton, working in the White House Office of Personnel, and the Department of Justice, headed by Janet Reno, where he pursued due diligence determinations for Justice positions. 

The practice of law was very important to Marty, but he also carried a strong desire for friends, adventure, and work/life balance.

In Redondo Beach, he met his life-long friend and confidante, Tracy Simpson. They shared adventures, supported each other during the natural ups-and-downs of life, and celebrated each other’s successes and special events. Theirs was a life-long relationship of enduring trust and caring. Indeed, during his illness, Marty was deeply blessed to receive exceptional support, guidance, humor, and love from Tracy. 

Marty’s love for sailing resulted in his purchasing his sailboat, “Reflection.” He enjoyed sailing trips to Catalina Island. With long-time friend Larry Vanderdoes, he participated in yachting regattas in St. Maarten (Caribbean), and sailing excursions in the Hawaiian Islands.

His growing love of outdoors resulted in his moving to Hailey. Marty delved deeply into his law practice, focusing on land use and planning, real estate, and construction. He also founded Developing Green, LLC, designed to work with stakeholders towards creating green, profitable projects that fit the land-use plans of the community.

In Hailey, he also was involved in working on a variety of projects with partners and friends, such as Josh Shetler. Frequently, these endeavors focused on sustainability/land development and environmental projects.

In summary, Marty had a strong work ethic, and well-crafted personal values. While he successfully engaged in arenas in the outside world, Marty also had an introverted side, which allowed him the solitude in recent years to pursue family history research. He loved the legacy he received from his mother: a reverence for camping, and a passion for the rugged beauty of Convict Lake in California. Marty was a strong supporter of the Sierra Club as well as local and regional environmental support organizations.

Marty is survived by family members Tracy Simpson of Redondo Beach, CA, brother Steve and sister-in-law Ann Gildersleeve of Piedmont, CA, nephew Jonathan Flannes of Pasadena, CA, nephew Matt Flannes and wife Vanessa, of northern Virginia, and great niece Nora L. Flannes, also of northern Virginia, as well as numerous cousins living in locations across the country. 

Importantly, Marty is also survived by close friends, business partners, and buddies and fellow adventurers, Josh and Angela Shetler of Hailey, and their children. Angela and Josh will always treasure the adventures they shared with Marty in the mountains, biking and camping, but most of all, their famous “Marty Gras” nights throughout the Wood River Valley.

During our grieving over Marty’s passing, the family has been blessed to have Angela and Josh to offer us emotional support, wisdom, humor, and funny stories, while also serving as solid guides, taking us through the complexities of grief and next steps. 

Marty requested that no services or memorial be conducted, and that his ashes be scattered in locations in California and Idaho that he cherished.

To make a donation to honor Marty’s life and in remembrance, you may contact: The Mountain Humane of Wood River Valley (https://mountainhumane.org/ways-to-give/ . Mountain Humane is a community, pet support center and animal welfare campus, built to optimize the ability to save the lives of animals.

So, as we bid farewell to Marty, it’s comforting to envision him and his fury first-mate, Scout, sailing together as the best of buddies, seeking adventure and new waters. 

Safe travels, you two friends, and may you both forever enjoy peace, inner tranquility, and much joy. You remain in our hearts always.