RIP: Cartier North America Senior Vice President Martin Thomas Gatins

Hello everyone,

I'm very sad to have to share with you the news of the passing of a well known member of the Cartier North America family --Mr. Martin Gatins, regretfully, has passed away after a long battle with leukemia.

Please join me in offering our condolences to his family.


Martin Gatins

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Martin Thomas Gatins, senior vice-president of Cartier North America, died Friday, May 4, at New York Presbyterian Hospital of complications arising from a five-year battle with leukemia. He was 61.

Mr. Gatins' friends and family knew him as a great storyteller. Many of his tall tales came from his experiences traveling the five continents, which he grew to know well as an international businessman and entrepreneur. A native of Paris, France, he was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduation from the University of Tennessee with a degree in business administration, his business career included time spent as a chemical firm executive, cut flower importer, manufacturer's representative in the textile and textile chemical industries, and finally as a luxury sales executive.

He joined Cartier North America in 1996 and climbed his way to the top becoming a member of the Executive Committee. His drive and expertise went beyond the realm of his direct responsibilities. He contributed to the success of Cartier in the U.S. and was a mentor to many. His drive for excellence and passion for the House of Cartier influenced everyone who worked with or met him.

Gatins was a former President of the American Watch Association, instrumental in the Jewelry Information Center Gem Awards and a member of the prestigious 24 Karat Club of New York City. As a highly respected leader within the luxury industry, he was a member of all prominent jewelry associations in New York.

Beyond his professional life, Gatins was a dedicated philanthropist. As the chairman of the advisory committee of the Katherine John Murphy Foundation, he dedicated himself to numerous charitable organizations. He was a trustee of the EARTH University Foundation, a former board member of Piedmont Hospital Foundation, The High Museum of Art, The Latin American Association, and The Donnellan School, to name a few.

At his death, Gatins was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club, Atlanta, Georgia and the St. Pius X Catholic Church, Fairfield, CT.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Clark Gatins, four children: Phillip, Audrey, Jeanette and John; daughter-in-law, Lily Cruz Gatins, and grandchildren, Martín and Etienne. Other survivors include his four brothers and sisters: Joseph F.M. Gatins, Satolah, Georgia; Sophie Gatins Mason, Atlanta, Georgia; his twin sister Eglé Gatins Weiland, Columbus, Ohio, and Miguel Ribon Gatins, Guadalajara, Mexico. A third brother, Charles S. Gatins, pre-deceased him in 1995.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, New York, on Monday, May 7 at 2:30pm with a reception to follow at the Cartier Mansion at 653 Fifth Avenue, New York. A second memorial mass will be held at Christ the King Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday May 9, at 4:00pm with a reception to follow at 5:30pm at the Piedmont Driving Club.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Leukemia Fighters: [cornellleukemia.com]. Please make checks payable to:

"Leukemia Fighters/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital"
c/o Dr. Gail J. Roboz,
520 East 70th Street, Box 403,
New York, NY 10021.