It is with great sadness that our family announces our beloved husband, father, and popi, Kraig J. Marton, 72, passed away on March 14, 2022. He was surrounded by his girls in his much-loved home as he gently departed our presence to explore new horizons.
Kraig was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Larry and Fanchon Marton. He had three siblings, Keith, Kathryne, and Kenneth. As a third-generation Arizonian, Kraig’s early years were filled with exploring, studying and wild escapades. He attended Carnegie Mellon and earned a degree in Physics where he developed a deep sense of civil rights and the responsibilities that go with protecting those rights. He frequented protests in Washington, D.C. with lifelong friends.
Unsure of what to do with a Physics degree, he moved back home to attend Arizona State University College of Law. The move was inspired by his wish to be close to his adored grandmother, Kathryne Pickrell, who always provided a warm meal and a rousing game of Yahtzee.
While in school, Kraig served on ASU Law Review, joined as an inaugural male member of the Phoenix chapter of the National Organization for Women, and was a key plaintiff of a class action lawsuit that extended military spousal benefits to male spouses. His love for the Law burned bright.
After admission to the Arizona State Bar in 1974, Kraig dedicated himself to his law practice and the love of his life, Karen. They had a whirlwind romance, meeting in March and marrying in December, all in the wonderful year of 1980. Life was always an adventure; scuba diving the oceans, flying the skies, and running the New York Marathon, twice.
Kraig loved his daughters Megan, Ashley, and Kaylin. He instilled in them his core values of goodness, responsibility, and adventure. When grandchildren came, he was over the moon. Nothing was as wonderful as spending time with Chloe, Lyla, Ellie, Brysen, and Bentley.
As a lawyer, Kraig strongly believed that everyone deserved a fair shot with the best possible representation. He won lawsuits that changed Arizona law for the better, in cases relating to defamation, privacy, and protecting the rights of employees. He served on the Arizona State Bar Board of Governors, was a founding member of AzELA and wrote chapters of the Arizona State Bar Handbook. He mentored many young attorneys over the years, including his daughter Ashley, who followed him into the practice of employment law. Kraig was proud to be a partner at the law firm of Jaburg Wilk for over 22 years.
One of his favorite quotes was from Man of La Mancha: “To right the unrightable wrong; to love, pure and chaste, from afar; to try, when your arms are too weary; to reach the unreachable star. This is my Quest.”
A memorial service will be held at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 2:00pm. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Mike Lockwood
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m just reminded of the fun that Pat and had hanging out with Martins. I know he is missed.
Kenneth Marton
Wonderful story of Kraig’s life. Thank you!
Terri Wiggins
Karen and family …..my sincere thoughts and prayers are with you! Kraig had a very fulfilled and blessed life and I know he will be missed! So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers … Cousin Terri and Dean Wiggins.
Michael (Mike) Rooney
I was a member of the ASU Law School class of 1974 with Kraig and then later we practiced law together for a short period of time. Kraig was both an exceptional lawyer and person. He distinguished himself in numerous areas of the law including health care and employment law. He cared about people and Kraig was always ready and willing to do all he could to “right the unrightable wrong.” Kraig and I weren’t close but I always considered him a very special friend. The Law lost an exceptional lawyer when Kraig died. It is with regret that I have a scheduling conflict and will miss the memorial service.
Kimberly Hayes
Even though I never got to meet Kraig, the things I have read and heard are wonderful and uplifting. He will be deeply missed by not only his family, but friends and co-workers. My deepest sympathies to you. God Bless.
Carissa Seidl
Karen and family, my heart goes out to you all. Kraig was an amazing man, a wonderful mentor, and an incredible lawyer. He is deeply missed. I am sad I cannot attend the services today to celebrate his memory. My condolences to you all. Fly free Kraig.
Jennifer Smith
I worked with Kraig at Jaburg & Wilk. My condolences go out to you at this time. He will be greatly missed.
Randy Warner
I first encountered Kraig Marton when I was a law clerk at the Arizona Supreme Court in the early 1990’s and he was arguing a defamation case. He was a first-rate advocate, and even 30 years ago was a recognized expert in that area. I encountered him over the years in various ways: when he spoke at a defamation seminar I attended, when he appeared before me in court, etc. Most recently, I conducted a trial in which correspondence from Kraig was part of the evidence. In my ruling (and not knowing Kraig would soon be gone), I made the following finding: “Marton is a highly experienced and well-respected defamation attorney.”
That’s a true statement. Arizona has lost an excellent lawyer.
Judge Randy Warner
Friend of Client he did right by.
“Great peace have those who love thy law;
nothing can make them stumble. “
Steven P Schubert
I just heard about this today and was shocked at the news! In my 38+ years as a paralegal, Kraig was by far the best and my most favorite attorney I had the privilege of working for. I assisted on several trials (in the early and mid 2000’s) each with a positive outcome. Kraig was always professional, yet maintained a sense of humor. I was fortunate enough to meet his family on several occasions and felt that Kraig was not just a “boss” but he also became a friend and to an extent, a mentor. Though it’s been several years since we spoke, I always had the utmost respect for him and continued to refer people to him. My condolences to his family!
Steven G Cribbett
I just found out about my past colleague tenor in the P.V. Methodist Choir and attorney for my cause(s). I had the greatest respect for Kraig and he had a way about him, a sort of “Gregory Peck” influence on those around him to perform their best, to be a better version of their self. The way I feel at this moment is that part of Arizona, the state I love, that some of its legacy has now slipped into the desert sunset. This news saddens me but I will always remember Kraig as a good and trusted friend! Ya know, come to think of it, I now think he recognized some of the rebel with a cause in moi!