Martin Ahrens Obituary

I´m just seeing this now as I am passing down a painting I purchased from Martin at the end of an oil painting workshop in Jackson, Ms. A friend of mine and I were delighted with the instruction and quality of his workshop. I´m very sorry to know of his passing. Peace and love to his friends and family.

Mr. Martin's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be sadly missed.

Joyce, We lost touch over the years and the many miles but always remembered and spoke of you and Martin very often. Gary and I are so sad for your loss and yet we hope the many wonderful memories and adventures you shared will warm your heart and make you smile.
Many lives have been touched, shaped and encouraged by you all. Those of us who knew Martin are better from the knowing and will always remember his talent, smile and wonderful outlook on life.

Dear Joyce,

It is with great sadness that I have learned of Martin's passing while still in Europe.
You are in all my Thoughts and Prayers. May you found comfort in God and in your memories.
With deepest sympathy.
Sabine (a fellow artist), Summerville, South Carolina

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Joyce,
Martin's passing was a loss for so many and we truly mourn with you in his loss. I know that Paul was blessed by him not only through his teaching but also in just knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you move through this time of grief. May God surround you with His love, grace and comforting presence. Paul & Stephanie Silva

Joyce,

It was with great sympathy that I learned of Martin's passing. You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. I look forward to celebrating his life with you and yours and know that his memory and talents will live on through his art and the art of others whom he mentored over the years...

With deepest sympathy & empathy,

Joyce and family,
The loss of Martin is the loss of a loving, giving man who not only gave to you but to the community as well. His patience and humor will long be remembered along with his talent. A man for all seasons who lived life on his own terms.As Sinatra crooned "He did it his way!!"
With deepest sympathy,

Joyce, Boyce told me of Martin's passing Wednesday evening. It was so evident that you loved him very deeply and I don't know any words that can help you in this, but you are in my thoughts.

I will really miss Martin. He accepted me as part of the family, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I am so sad that the wonderful, humorous, talented, gentle instructor, beautiful painter Martin has died. Joyce, while I cannot imagine what you are going through, please know that you are thought of with the kindest and sincerest empathy.

The passing of Martin Ahrens is a seminal moment in the history of the Charleston art community. Martin was both an artisan and an artist of the highest order. His portraiture expressed a unique talent now gone from earth. There will never be another like him. His personable mentorship evoked the best in those around him. His tutelage is part and parcel of hundreds of art students whom emulated his abilities to reach into darkness to find the subtleness of light. His wife

You Raise Me Up"

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Joyce, I just heard about Martin, and I am sorry for US that he's left. If everyone celebrated life like he did every day, the world would be a much more pleasant and fun place. What an incredible life he had here, and what a fantastic journey he is making!