Also known as "Marty"
7 February 1958 – 4 August 2025
Also known as "Marty"
7 February 1958 – 4 August 2025
Marty Passed away Peacefully on Monday 4 August, at age 67, at Waikato Hospital after living courageously with motor neuron disease for 18 months. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Robyn. Son of Charlie & Nance(both dec). Brother to Joseph, Leo, Tim and their families. Loved son-in-law of Stan(dec.) and Doreen Hodson. Brother-in-law to David(Bill) and Jan, and Much loved uncle to Joel and Nicole Hodson.
Messages to the McKone Family may be left here.
An informal service to celebrate Marty’s life will be held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel, 174 Lemon Street, New Plymouth on Tuesday 12 August 2025 at 2pm.
Please join with us to celebrate Marty’s life, by bringing a 2 minute memory to give at the service. All are welcome to speak.
In preference to flowers, please consider a donation to MMM New Zealand
For those unable to attend, Marty’s funeral will be livestreamed here.

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel
We've gotten to know you both Robyn and Marty over the last couple of years and have enjoyed conversations and some meals together, sharing memories and some laughs. Loved Marty's slate, a great way to communicate, at an afternoon tea some months ago, a special time. A beautiful ceremony on Tuesday Robyn. Much love, you are in our thoughts, see you again soon xo
Robyn im sorry i couldnt make marty funeral always at work round this time of the day. sending my love to you. I did get to see on live screen it was beauitful.Love you heaps god bless xox
What an amazing couple - we first met you at camp on an MMM job you were just such treasures to have around always positive and uplifting, ready to share a laugh, a prayer, a word of wisdom . . .able to go deep and talk about the hard stuff and give an encouraging hug . . . to endure struggles (trying not to recall that horrid gastro bug!) with still very evident joy in the Lord in all you did. You made us feel the love of God through your love expressed in hands-on love, service and word. It is always a pleasure to see you, even just in a photo that carries the associated connections of encouragement in Christ, like the one in the camp office. You epitomised an uncomplaining nature without belittling pain, living out the fine art of compassion. As a family, we have been so encouraged by how you both have walked this season with MND. I want to acknowledge that the more we learn about you, the more we have cause to be encouraged by the integrity and obedience of your faith. I want to honour you both - your life is a testimony to our wonderful God, that His ways work, that he knits us into families. We'll be praying for the next season - trusting that God leads, provides and cares for you. Nestle under Gods wings whenever you need to. Love always, Mat and Emma, Stefan, Angela, Jennifer and Reuben.
Robyn, it was a beautiful funeral and we particularly loved the mention of 5 crowns which you and Marty played regularly- Marty will receive his crown - a good and faithful servant to the Lord Jesus. He was such a good man with a great sense of humour. Much love to you- praying for you ❤️ Phil and Deanne Howan
“MMM- Mighty Marty Man” I had the privilege of working full time with Marty in 2023, when he was fit as a fiddle, and keen as a bean. I had never had a 64 year old apprentice before, and wasn’t sure how it would go, me telling him what to do. However, Marty and I had an absolute blast working together. Laughter is good medicine alright. He got me in stitches laughing about various things, jobs, and situations, some that were real, some that were just in our heads. A typical day with Marty for me; He was always up, crack of dawn, walking swiftly to get his brekkie and things sorted. By 10 to 8 he was ready to roll, “Don’t be late, come on” he would jest, looking at his watch. Marty had so much focus and diligence on our projects, he loved serving the Lord with his skills and doing things well, keeping the peace. He loved the gospel, loved telling me “It’s all about the Grace of Jesus!” and I enjoyed hearing his testimony throughout our breaks and work. Marty was always ready to pray, at devotion time he would rub his tough mechanic hands together and ask the Lord for all we needed, remembering so many others in his prayers. He prayed like a man who knew the power and faithfulness of God, and knew of God’s sovereign power and ability. He prayed like a man with genuine love for his God and his neighbor. Marty, I can’t be there with you and Robyn right now, and its been hard to do these last few years without you alongside me. The young apprentices aren’t quite what you were my old friend. It hurts my heart that we couldn’t work together more, but I am always grateful for the slot of time God gave me with you. Thanks for teaching me how to laugh with humility, and how to grow closer to God, trusting him and his Grace. Thanks for always having the smile of an angel, that could disarm anyone, even the building inspectors. I’ll see you later Marty and we will laugh again, because our faith is on the same rock solid foundation of the finished work of Jesus Christ...
Dear Robyn We are thinking of you and Marty today. That smile of his and happy laugh. His kindness. He will be missed Love John and Janis
Thinking of you all today. Huge hugs and praying for you all.
Hey Robyn, So sorry for your loss. Marty was always so loving and full of encouragement. Rik always spoke highly of him. He cherished the memory of singing at your wedding...and was always chatting about Marty and the boys and their surfing days. Thank you for popping in to visit whenever you were in Australia. Your friendship is valued. Marty will be missed. Praying for you and sending much love. Lots of Love from the Porters in 'Oz' xx
To Robyn. So sorry to read of Marty's passing.will be thinking of you all today as you say your last farewell love merleen.
We only knew Marty for two weeks , two years ago at Vertical Horizons , but were impressed with his skills and loved his happy easygoing ways. Love and prayers for you, Robyn
Marty was a fun, friendly person with an amazing warm smile. He had a wonderful heart and a great love for Jesus that shone out of him right to the last of his days. He and Robyn exemplified selfless giving with their work with MMM. It was a pleasure to know him. Much love to you Robyn💕🫂
Hi All

Funeral service held at Eagars Te Henui Chapel

A simple way to share tributes, receive service reminders, and send flowers or support.
Join the Waitlist