Marty was born in Western Washington in1947. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in psychology at Western Washington University. Marty taught psychology and human sexuality at Pierce College for 40 years. Marty was named Outstanding Faculty of the Year in 1993, and Faculty of the Year three times. He retired in 2011 but he and his wife Liz remain active hiking, skiing, swimming and traveling. Marty and Liz have three children and seven grandchildren. They currently live in Lakewood, Washington.