Martina Delp
Martina Delp of Salcha, Alaska was accidentally electrocuted at
her home,
Long Haul Kennel, on Friday, May 18, 2007.
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Hometown: Salcha, Alaska
Occupation: Heavy Equipment Operator & Veterinary Technician
 
Martina operated Long Haul Kennel as a no-kill shelter with a goal of
educating people about northern breed dogs as working dogs and pets, offering programs and
resources to strengthen the bond and enhance the relationship between animal and owner,
promoting responsible pet ownership, retention, population control.
6/11/07: A message from the Brown Family
Once upon a time we met a beautiful young girl. Her name is Martina Delp. From the
moment you met her or spoke with her you would get a feeling of overwhelming happiness.
She was always happy. Martina possessed so many positive qualities and traits.
There aren't very many people in the world like Martina. Any one of us would only
hope to be a tenth of the person she was. Martina marched to the beat of her own drum. She
truly embodied individualism. When she set her mind to do something she did it; regardless
of what anyone thought. A truly unique quality in this day and age.
Her passing is a very tragic event for those of us who knew her and loved her. She
will be sorely missed. Until we meet again in Heaven, rest Martina, we love you.
The Brown Family ~ Ralph, Paula, Joey and Family, Becky and Family and Heather
6/8/07: A message from Grazia Ghiraldo, Padova, Italy:
I'm an Italian fiend of Martina's family. I was completely upset when Alice
(Martina's sister) called me to say what happened. I couldn't believe her... I've not
known so much about Martina during these last years and I'm sorry for this. I met her for
the first time many years ago here in Italy. She was a little girl. I liked her
immediately, she was so sensitive, kind, pleasant, intelligent and very patient (because
of my terrible English). She was a real artist, she adored to draw in ink, especially
caricatures. I remember one of them she made of an Austrian bus driver... I felt
immediately a special connection with her because she WAS special. I imagined for her a
life rich in happiness and satisfactions. When her mother informed me about her decision
to live in Alaska with many dogs (I like them so much too, but I have only three) I wasn't
amazed at all. When someone dies it's always hard, but when someone young dies such as
Martina, it's more painful. There's a particular sadness. We wonder why. We think of all
things incomplete, not done, not said, not lived and it's excruciating.
5/28/07: A message from Martina's brother, Bill:
My name is William W. Hayes ( DELP), Martina was my sister and I was totally
shocked when my dad told me what happened. I remember when Martina was about 4-5 yrs old,
how she would talk and talk both in German and English. I went down to visit my Dad. Bob
and Inga in Ridgecrest CA when Martina was 12 or 13, the wonderful memory's that I have is
how Martina and Inga would talk in German and laugh and carry on. Martina would talk and
talk and she was very intelligent to boot. We would sit and discuss many things together
as brother and sister. Another memory is when she came up here to Michigan to visit when
she was driving semi-long haul. Me and my wife visited her at a local truck stop and had
lunch, I remember her beautiful dogs she had with her. Even though it was a short visit, I
will always remember that day. She was a wonderful, beautiful young woman. Sis, I will
miss you and I will always have the fond memories in my heart until we meet on that final
day, in heaven for the family reunion.
Love you Martina
Bill
Her first husky, Nosha, traveled all over the US and Canada with Martina
in a tractor trailer, and was the dog that originally got her into husky rescue and
mushing.
Martina and her animals had a great sense of humor and regularly
contributed to the Sled Dog Central Fun Photo Album. Here are a couple of our
favorites.
 
You can learn more about Martina's life in her May 2006 SDC Interview
[back to Obituary Index]
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