I went to sleep last night remembering how you began your entry into the world on 2/19 and woke this morning remembering that you still hadn't arrived at 7 am on 2/20. And then you emerged--welcome, beautiful, and loved! What a blessing you were all your life and remain so now.

Hi Martin,

No birthday, no anniversary, just one of the many ordinary days that I think of you.

I miss so many things about you all of the time, but right now I'm going through some tough stuff and am missing your sense of humor, optimism and the way you could find silver linings.

It's supposed to be cloudy today with rain, though so far it seems bright with blue skies. Either way, if you could give those clouds a good shake and send some silver linings my way, I'd be grateful.

Remembering you always,
Mary Ann

I didn't forget you Monday, Martin. In fact, I thought of you even more because I couldn't get here to let you & your family know that you are remembered perpetually. You left an indelible mark here and a void that is still felt. Seven years seems impossible, but I see the time that has passed everytime I look in the mirror or stand next to my grandnephews, now both taller than I am. Yet I can only envision you as you were: perpetually young, with many passions, and the boundless energy to pursue them. The world has become indescribably chaotic--for me personally at the moment, but more consequentially nationally & globally! I miss the perspectives about politics and ethics that I know we'd have shared if you were still here. But you are at peace which softens your absence a tiny bit---but only a tiny bit.

I often wonder what you would have thought about all that has gone on in the country and the world since this day in 2015, and I can guess. I think that except for an important role during the early days of the pandemic, you would have found a way to distract your thoughts from most of the ugliness we have endured since 2015. Our long conversations would have moved to other topics, and you would have discouraged me from dwelling too much on what diminishes the spirit. This is one of many reasons I miss you today and always!

As I think on his birthday of how much Martin meant to me, I find in Brett Asselstine's post of 4-27-15 a portrait of what was best of Martin. It renews my gratitude that he was born and grew to be one who left such an imprint on those who loved him. Mary Ann's lighthearted tribute also captures his spirit and makes me smile.

I'm here very early this year, Martin, as later in the month will be hectic. I did not want a busy schedule to deprive me of the chance to let you know I'm thinking of you in your birthday month and that I hope happy memories of you are a comfort to your Mom, Emily & your entire family. You were quite the story teller, trivia wizard, adventurer and (mostly lame) joker, so I'm sure they have a wealth of memories from which to choose. Still, the void of your physical absence can't be fully filled.

Last year, I learned of an African-American falconer who, once a year, usually on or near the anniversary of his mother's death, releases one of the hawks, eagles, owls or other birds of prey that he's rehabilitated after injuries. As he does, he recites the names of loved ones he's lost & last year he invited others to provide names of loved ones who had passed so he could recite them as well. Along with my parents', brother's & Angie's names, yours was lifted on the wings of a hawk.

It warms my heart to think about those who loved and appreciated my brother Martin.  

I'm thinking of you, your Mom & Emily, and all who love & miss you.

I've been thinking about how much enthusiasm you brought to things you enjoyed. Your spirit is so alive for me these days and I love you!

Happy Birthday, Martin. 55 (!!)---whoa, where does time go? My Dad always said "the older you get, the faster time passes;" I guess he was right!

Your family and friends added a lot of photos which I enjoyed very much. They captured some of your signature silly expressions as well as sweet, serious & handsome ones. I miss all of them. I miss you. So many miss and remember you...your family especially, of course.

I'm "sending" you a hawk feather this year. I find it a comfort to believe that hawks are messengers from my late father as I see them often when I most need & miss him. (Dragonflies are my Mom's messengers.) I know that you loved hiking, mountain climbing, and all things nature/outdoors as he did.

You were always a pleasure to work with....

It's your birthday, Martin, and I am so grateful for the loving, thoughtful, and faithful son you were for me all your life!

Martin, I've pictured you at work many times since the virus hit us and imagined how calmly, seriously, and creatively you would approach your work and the care you would bring to your team. In so many ways, you are missed!

I remember him as a good doctor who would have dealt with our current problems in the right way

Hey M~Lightening~K,

Sorry I didn't get here 2/20 to wish you a happy birthday, but I did think of you, as I do often. I'm still struggling after a very difficult year healthwise and have been too exhausted to attend to my usual chores, tasks & duties, much less keep up with correspondence and social obligations. But I won't bother you (much) about that or about the global pandemic that is ripping through our country overwhelming our healthcare system, crushing the economy, and devastating many individuals and families through both the medical and economic impacts of Covid-19, a novel coronavirus. We'd have some animated discussions about politics, social injustice, and the health care system if you were here though! The world could use your lame jokes, silly antics, useless trivia and "unique" devil's advocate perspectives right now, though. I miss them--and you--always. Try to stay out of trouble in Heaven (yeah, I know, sometimes I crack myself up, too). Later...in a while...

How can it be five years already?

M.

I celebrate your life today, Martin! You brought love and joy into my life from the day you were born, and it sustains me to this day. I cherish the adventures we shared and our long conversations and just feeling the understanding and regard we had for each other. What a gift!

I thought of you on the 18th, but couldn't get online until today. But, then again, I think of you on many ordinary days and don't sign in online to "tell" you so. I hopefully assume that my Mom, Dad, brother, and other dear ones, including you, somehow "just know" that they are on my mind (without, of course being privy to everything I'm thinking!). If you were here, we'd have a debate about the logic of this hope...but maybe you've already learned that I won this one. I truly hope so.

I'm not sure what brought me here today, but I see it would have been your birthday a couple days ago. You are still missed at Sutter! Thinking of you and your family today.

Happy Birthday, Martin.

You came into the world on a cold day in February and warmed my heart in countless ways. I am so thankful for your life.

Thinking of you and missing you Martin!

You are still remembered & missed, Martin.

I was blessed with your birth, Martin, 52 years ago. I am so grateful you were part of my life.

You are so dear for remembering Martin with these tributes! It warms my heart. I miss him so.

You will always be one of my heroes Martin. Your life was special to me and I loved you. Every day was a blessing. Thanks

Two years. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and sometimes it feels like forever. No matter how much time passes, you are remembered fondly. Hope you're hiking in Heaven...yeah, see, I was right. Miss you, "Marty"--remember that silly conversation? Seriously, though, you are missed my friend.

I miss you deeply Martin.... ;(

I miss our discussions about social justice, nature, music, travel, geopolitics, workouts, and medicine/nursing. I miss our debates about religion. I miss our exchanges about useless but fun trivia and I miss your lame jokes. But most of all, Martin, I miss you and your smile. You are thought of often and fondly and will be remembered always. Happy Birthday my friend.

I light this candle in remembrance of your life. You will never be forgotten

Such a sad loss. My thoughts are with Lea and Martin's family.

I will miss Martin and my heart is broken with his passing.
I enjoyed our talks and how we could change the course of
Emergency Medicine if only someone would let us. I will always
remember that Martin drove me to my wedding when I became a
member of the Miner Family. What a happy memory. I miss you.

I was saddened the moment I heard about the passing of Dr Kragness. I will miss his corny since of humor, his quick wit and just laughing with him about absolutely nothing. The twinkle in his eye that let you know he was going to say something off the wall. I will miss him deeply and my heart and sympathies go out to his family.

Today I went to a memorial for a special man. Martin Kragness, a emergency room doctor, a co-worker and a friend. Thanks to all the people who got up and shared there times with this man. I had tears in my eyes the moment I walked into the memorial until I got home. Dr Kragness I am going miss you very much, but I know that you are in a happier place and at peace.

A wonderful person and a great friend who I will miss deeply. I would often tell him that there's, goodness, there's badness, and then there's kragness. I don't think it had any meaning, but it was fun to say and it would get a smile out of Martin.
Farewell my friend
James

My heart goes out to Lea, Martin's family and friends. While I only met Martin once, it is obvious that he was a force in life - an admirable person that left an impression on even those who barely knew him. He will live on in all of you who love him.

I took to Martin from the day that I met him and in the relatively short time that I knew him I grew to love him as an adopted son.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his immediate and extended family, my daughter Lea and all who knew and loved him. His cheeky, vivacious sense of humour and caring nature will sorely be missed.

Although I am a long way away, my love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

We talked about the studies I did for his patients. You could tell he really cared and at the same time could laugh at some of the crazy things that could happen. Sometimes we doctors think we are immune to it all. Clearly we are not. We will miss him.

Martin was a smart doctor and compassionate healer. He was thoughtful and engaged in the care that was given in the emergency department. I enjoyed his dry wit and will miss him.  He made a difference in this world, but more so, he had a positive impact on the lives of tens of 1,000's of individuals, one person at a time.
Steve Maron

I will miss you! I remember how much pleasure you got explaining about this table you were building. You always knew the new trends in medicine and had many discussions with us. Our lives are better from knowing you. Goodbye. RIP.

I will miss Martin. His shy smile and open heart. His quiet humor and gentle grace. I am only glad that he was my friend.
Richard Childers

I always loved my cousin Marty and always will. I miss you all! Please know that my sisters and I send all our love and prayers. xxoo

I have fond childhood memories of cousin Marty! He had a great smile and pleasant personality and sense of adventure! He casually whistled as he strolled just like the other Kragness men! We shared grand parents that loved us all. Now he is with them and with Our Father in Heaven. May he be blessed for all the love he shared with others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones! Love from the Kragness girls: Pam, Kim and Gwen

" My deepest sympathy" My thoughts are with Leanne & Martin's family. My prayers for you.

All I have are fond memories of Dr. Kragness. It was my pleasure working with you and I will always remember your kind spirt and fun loving personality. You sir were a true treasure.

Our first introduction to Martin was via my very happy and invigorated sister, Leanne, while celebrating her milestone birthday in New Caledonia. It was clear she had met a very wonderful person who she adored. When we did actually meet Martin several months later we quickly understood why Leanne was so happy. They were a perfect couple. We are now struggling to comprehend such sad news. Our thoughts are with Leanne and all of Martin’s family and friends",
Glenn, Diana, Ethan and Amelie Williams

“In the short time I spent with Martin we quickly developed a unique friendship. As a 15 year old, his engaging discussions really inspired my interest in the medical field. It was very sad to hear Martin has left us. My thoughts are with Leanne, his family and his friends”, Ethan Williams

You are one of my favorite doctors that i worked with. One thing I will definitely miss about you is how you always asked me about my married life.. And how we talked about our common interests, like sports car. Those short conversations meant alot to me. Thank you for that. You will never be forgotten. We'll miss you! RIP Dotor kragggy!

Martin was a great guy and super sharp doctor. I enjoyed working with him very much and catching up when our paths crossed in the small small world of Emergency Medicine. He was one of the good guys and he will be missed sorely.

I will truly miss your quick whit and great intellect RIP

Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of Martin. My heart is with his family and friends.

There is an emptiness in me with the loss of this special guy. There are so many things that I will miss about Martin including his wry smile and our debates on various health care issues. My deepest sympathies to Martin's family and other loved ones.