07/29/2026
Andrew "Martin" Nygaard passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 97. Martin lived an extraordinary life defined by hard work, integrity, and an enduring commitment to his family and community.
Born on June 8, 1929, to Andrew and Alfhild Dagny (Johnson) Nygaard who respectively came from Trondheim, Norway, and Mohall, ND, to Oregon in the 1920s. Martin spent his early years in Nehalem, Oregon, proudly learning to swim at Nehalem School before being allowed passage into the first grade. His mother died during childbirth with his sister, May, in 1931, and his father married Carol Ober of Nehalem in 1937 and had 3 more sisters, Denise, Helen and Olga.
Martin gradually moved north, first to Seaside, then Warrenton, before landing in a strong Scandinavian community on 38th Street in Astoria, where he attended Astor School and Astoria High School, then located at the top of 16th street. Martin participated in football and track, going on to run impressive times in the 400M at Pacific Lutheran University before transferring to Oregon State where he graduated with a degree in Forest Engineering in 1951. Martin remained an enthusiastic supporter of Oregon State University Athletics, often remarking that his yearly parking spot at Reser Stadium cost more than his entire tuition. He enjoyed travelling around the country to watch his beloved Beavers play football.
Martin married his high school sweetheart, Doris Whetstone on March 24, 1951 at the Christian Church in Astoria. She joined Martin as he traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, with their son David learning to walk there under the tutelage of several doting Guard wives, while Martin was a part of the “90-day Wonders” officer training program. He returned and served as Commander of the E Company, 162nd Brigade, 41st Division, of the Oregon National Guard, stationed at Camp Rilea in 1958.
A proud logger and lifelong resident of Clatsop County, the Nygaard name is synonymous with the timber industry. Martin witnessed nearly a century of change while remaining steadfast in the values that guided his life: honesty, perseverance, humility, and service to others. He took great pride in his many years in the timber industry, where his strong work ethic and quiet determination earned the respect of those who knew him. He began as a child peeling chittum bark for cash, at 15 he was on the boom rafting logs for his father and uncle at A & I Nygaard Rafting Company at their Skipanon River location, then in 1958 started his own logging company, M. Nygaard Logging. He sold his equipment to Dant and Russell in 1972, becoming the vice president of their logging division and serving on their board of directors. When Dant and Russell filed for bankruptcy in 1982 due to 25% inflation and interest rates, he bought back his equipment and started over with his original crew as a pulp log chipping operation in Tongue Point. In 1986, the company moved operations to Warrenton, Oregon, at Tansy Point. In 1999, his sons John and David’s logging company, Nygaard Brothers Logging, merged together to become Warrenton Fiber-Nygaard Logging, which continues to be one of the largest employers in Clatsop County.
Even after stepping back from daily demands of the business, Martin rarely stayed still for long. He enjoyed driving through town and in the woods, checking on properties and logging jobs, making sure everything was as it should be. Just as important as the work were the people along the way. He never missed an opportunity to stop, visit, and catch up with someone he knew. Whether it was a longtime employee, a fellow logger, or community member, he genuinely enjoyed hearing how they were doing and sharing a story or two of his own. Those drives weren't just about keeping an eye on the business—they were about staying connected to the community and the people who had been such an important part of his life.
He also enjoyed a good conversation and celebration over crab, oysters, and corned beef at the company’s annual Seafood Party, dressing up for a holiday dinner at the Elks, or giving out meat from fair animals at the company’s annual picnic. He made an effort to make people feel valued and a part of the family.
Martin's greatest joy was his family. Even into his nineties, he treasured every opportunity to hold the newest members of the family, his face lighting up with the same unmistakable pride and tenderness.
Some of his happiest hours were spent around a card table with lifelong friends who had shared so much of life's journey alongside him. The games were spirited and the debates could become wonderfully animated. As the years passed, he sadly outlived many of those companions, becoming one of the last of that remarkable circle. Their friendship was a testament to a lifetime of loyalty, laughter, and shared memories that he carried with him. He left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Martin's legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the community he helped build. Martin was a major donor and sponsor to many of our local institutions including: Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation, 4-H and the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, Liberty Theater, Astoria Regatta, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria Scandinavian Festival, Friends of the Astoria Column, Astoria Downtown Association, Camp 18 Logging Museum, Astoria Nordic Heritage Park, Sons of Norway, Astoria Community Foundation, Oregon Logging Conference, Oregon Women in Timber, Clatsop Working Watersheds Cooperative, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University Foundation, Clatsop Community College Foundation, Astoria High School, Knappa High School, Warrenton High School, and countless local sports teams over the years. His life serves as a lasting reminder that true character is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the kindness, integrity, and love shared with others.
The Nygaard family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support they have received during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation or Peace First Lutheran Church in Astoria in Martin's honor.
Martin is survived by two sons and daughters-in law, David and Judy Nygaard and John and Julie Nygaard, all of Astoria; three grandchildren, John M. Nygaard and children Sofia and Viggo, Melissa and Adam Svensen and their children Hailey and Kilee, and Tracie and Brent Brockey and their children Baylor, Kersey, and Boden, all of Astoria. He is survived by his longtime companion Nancy Haglund, his three sisters Denise and Vern Fruehling of Queen Creek, AZ, Helen Niemi of Westport, OR, and Olga and Lloyd Hovden of Astoria and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Doris Nygaard, sister May Barrow, daughter Mardi Nygaard, and grandson Andrew Nygaard.
There will be a service for Martin at Peace First Lutheran Church in Astoria on Thursday, July 30th at 1PM, and there will be a Celebration of Life at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds on Saturday August 29th at 1PM.
Et liv levd med styrke, arbeidsglede og omsorg setter spor som aldri viskes ut.
"A life lived with strength, joy in work, and care for others leaves marks that are never erased."
