Martin Neal Albright, age 66, of Lowell, Arkansas took his last peaceful breaths on December 30, 2022. Marty's big heart would ultimately send him to his final adventure. On December 30th around 2 pm, Marty went for heart labs with smiles, giggles, and tons of happy energy. Shortly after the results, Marty took his last breath. He was born July 14, 1956, in New Iberia, Louisiana to the late Neal and Evelyn Albright.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Kwan Albright of Lowell; daughter, Rebecca (Jason) Smith of Fayetteville; his mirror image of a son, Martin "Neal" Albright Jr. (Ryan Bowman) of Clarksville; stepdaughter, Charity Montgomery; seven beautiful grandchildren, Jason (Megan) Smith, Joseph Smith, Mary (Brice) Gahagans, Katie Smith, Isaac Smith, Rachel Smith, and Raylee Bowman. Marty's memory will be treasured by sisters and their families, Ann (Ron) Palculict of Hot Springs and Sue (Ed) Bruning of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be remembered as a fun uncle by his nieces, nephews, and their families; Randy (Desiree) Palculict, Crystal (Jeff) Kalinowski, Tristan Bruning (Megumi Taguchi), and Patrick Bruning.

Everyone who knew Marty felt his big heart, caring spirit, and love of the outdoors. Marty's young adult years were filled with many friends and exciting experiences skipping school to go to concerts, hiking in the Ozarks, canoeing on the Buffalo River, rappelling off cliffs, camping all around, and always lending a hand to those in need. Marty graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1975. He met Karyn Williams at FHS, and they continued exploring the outdoors together, including their honeymoon hiking Pikes Peak in Colorado. He began his adventure in fatherhood with the birth of his daughter, Rebecca in 1977. Marty and Karyn's marriage wasn't permanent, but they remained friends throughout his life.

After high school, Marty continued helping others through his work as a Respiratory Therapist. He began helping children at Arkansas Children's Hospital in 1982 and earned his Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Arkansas in 1986. Marty met Carolyn Bradshaw at ACH, they became close friends through their love of nursing and boating. They married in 1986. Marty and Carolyn celebrated the birth of their son, Martin "Neal" Albright Jr in 1987. Though their marriage didn't last, they worked together to raise their son.

Marty impacted countless children's lives during his 22 years at Arkansas Children's Hospital. He supervised the Respiratory Care Team in Neonatal Intensive Care and Patient Transport. He also played a key role in the development of ACH helicopter transport for respiratory equipment and procedures. Marty was especially proud to be one of the few nurses trained with ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as extracorporeal life support). ECMO has saved many children's lives. During his years in healthcare, he made friends with other respiratory therapists, nurses, and doctors and was always eager to share his love of the outdoors by taking them boating, water skiing, and on camping trips.

He was a truly extraordinary person and had no limits when it came to helping others. His family remembers many days that Marty would bring home a stranger to give them a full stomach, a shower, and a meal to go. An example of Marty's compassion was through a man named Otis. One day Marty was at a local gas station, and he noticed Otis digging through the trash for cans, which he considered his job. Marty realized he had cans that he threw away every day and could provide for Otis. Marty and Otis became quick friends. Every time Marty brought cans to Otis, it wasn't just a drop-off, but Otis asked Marty to come into his house to visit. The stories Marty told about Otis made him a legend in Neal's eyes. Neal has never forgotten the day his dad took him to visit Otis. One day Marty went over to Otis' house to drop off cans and noticed he didn't come out to ask him to stay and visit. Each week the pile of cans grew and grew until Marty stopped leaving cans. Neal never forgot what he said, "Son, Otis is finally with his family now. He had spent so much time waiting for a chance to be with his family." Neal will never forget the compassion and friendship he saw between Otis and Marty and has taken the life lesson to heart to be a better man today. Neal could think of no other person he would rather be in a sticky situation with than his dad, Marty.

Sharing his love of boating and helping others make memories on the lakes and rivers brought him a lifetime of joy. It was his passion. His family knows Marty is sailing across a celestial sea with his mom and dad sitting across from him in each other's arms laughing and cutting up for eternity.

Marty requested memorial contributions to help the homeless. Gifts may be made in honor of Marty Albright to Seven Hills Homeless Shelter in Fayetteville, Arkansas. ( https://7hillscenter.org/ ).

A celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Marty's family requests those attending to wear something blue to represent the lakes and rivers that were important throughout his life. A reception will follow at the Smith home.