Dean Martin

I was born in 1952 so was seven when I first saw Rio Bravo, the first movie I remember and Dean Martin the first character. I thought he was so cool as Dude and Wayne and Martin certainly had a chemistry. Fast forward twenty seven years to 1985, I was from Philly; but was in L.A. and had a chance to play golf at Riviera. It was on July 22, 1985, and as I was waiting to tee off with some members when in the group ahead of me I noticed a man in the group in front that could barely get out of his golf cart. The years and whatever had taken their toll. Yes, it was Dean Martin. A member told me he was in severe decline with the booze and he drank at the club every night...mostly alone at a table. The decline was accelerated with his losing his son Dino in a jet crash. It was a sad sight and I decided not to ask him for a picture together as my mom adored him; but would have been taken back by his appearance. I saw Rio Bravo last night, and that is how I will remember Mr. Martin. He did have a beautiful and fluid golf swing, even in his late 60's, that afternoon.