Martin: It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Jean (John) Joseph Nicolas Martin at the Souris Personal Care Home on Wednesday, December 30, 2015. John was born on the family farm in the RM of Cameron on July 8, 1926, the only son of Henry and Marie. Remaining to forever cherish his memory are Bernie, his wife of 63 years; Children, Claude (Diane) Martin, Lionel (Bernie) Martin, Val (Darcy) Dunbar, and Gail Feser; Grandchildren, Bryce Martin, Andrea (Derek) Rothnie, Dillon (Erin)Dunbar, Mylen Dunbar, Riley Feser, Kalli Feser and Shea Martin; Great-grandchildren Asher and Aria Rothnie and Jaxon Dunbar.
John attended Grand Bend School , and after his father’s passing in 1955, John was left to manage the family farm. He was very proud of his roots, and was delighted when his farm received its Century Designation in 1998. John was a very active community member, serving as Councillor for the R.M. of Cameron for 10 years. He was also involved as a School trustee, and was a member of Manitoba Conservation, St. Jean’s Parish, and Manitoba Foresters. His 42 years as a Portage Mutual Insurance agent was his most rewarding venture, and he thoroughly enjoyed socializing with many of his loyal clients. Rural farm life meant hard work and countless happy memories — raising children, milking cows, stacking hay, taking his dogs for walks, and rides on his yellow trike. John loved music, especially Lawrence Welk, and he and Bernie attended many dances and card games. He was an avid sports enthusiast and regularly watched his children play ball. He also enjoyed watching curling and was a devoted Blue Jays fan. He will be remembered for his positivity, humour, and his “great smile”. He lived his life with meaning, kindness, and conviction.
A celebration of John’s life was held on Saturday, January 2, 2016, at St. Jean’s Catholic Church, Grande Clairiere.
The family would like to extend many thanks for the care and compassion given to our husband, father, and grandfather over the last two years by the doctors and staff at the Souris Personal Care Home. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba ROK 2CO.
“Peace begins with a smile…” — Mother Teresa
Bernie and family: our sincere condolences to you all.
Our sympathy to the Martin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.
Dear Gail,
We are sorry for your loss.
We are thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Jill & Brian
Val & Family – My Sincere Sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. You will have many fond memories Val to help you through this difficult time. Teenie
Thinking of all of you.
Val & Darci,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is never easy to loose your parent. Keep faith that the pain will ease. Sheila & Wayne
On behalf of our late parents Pete & Nora Hardy and their families we offer our sincere condolences and prayers at this time. John was a wonderful man. Roger Hardy
Bernadette and Family-
Our condolences to you on the passing of John. He was a good man who gave of himself to family, friends, the parish and the community. May your memories of happy times spent with him console you in the difficult days ahead. Polly and Leon
Val, our condolences to you and your entire family. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Connie & Grant Moffatt
Our sincerest thoughts are with you all in the loss of your Husband, Father and Grandfather. May memories bring you comfort.
Thanks to all for all your thoughts and prayers at this sad time…
Our condolences to Bernie and family. Nice to see you at your room in 2013 on the day that happened to be your birthday, and my cousin Donnie was visiting. Still remember your generosity to Jessie Morden family in the 1950’s. God Bless. Edith (Morden) Tarbet
Sincere sympathies on the loss of Jean. We will always cherish his smile, his unrelenting passion for life and for always helping others. God bless you all.
I think of John eveytime I visit home. How he crossed the river to go to school. Dad’s stories of him staying alone at the other farm house on the way to Lauder. I think of him and Bernie when I see the yard light at night from the Hicks farm. HUGS!