February 5, 1934 – July 11, 2013
at the age of 79 years
Memorial Gathering, Saturday, July 27, 2013, 1 – 5 p.m., family residence
Donald Leslie Martin was born & raised in New Westminster BC February 5, 1934.
Passed away peacefully at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm BC July 11, 2013.
After a very strong will to recuperate from open heart surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC April 17, 2013.
Don retired from BC Telephone company on June 1, 1989 after 35 years of service.
Don loved the outdoors taking the family on many camping trips all over BC.
He was a great bird hunter from Ladner to Grinrod with Mary, the kids and dog Prince. He loved salmon fishing the Chilliwack, Fraser & the Thompson River at Big Horn for Steelhead & trips to the sunshine coast.
Don had a passion for lacrosse & hockey with a history of playing & coaching. In 1953 he won a Minto Cup playing junior lacrosse for the New Westminster Salmonacs.
Don refereed & coached Surrey Minor Hockey & the Jr. B Surrey Stampeders 1972-73. He was a great inspiration to the kids in hockey & Surrey Minor Lacrosse Assoc. Senior hockey took him to Santa Rosa California to play in the Snoopy World Senior Tournament 1984-1991.
Don was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Surrey Fire Dept. Hall #2 for 18 years.
Golf & gardening became a very enjoyable pastime as well as time spent at the cabin on Sulphurous Lake fishing & hunting in the Caribou.
Don was predeceased by (granddaughter) Kaitlynn, (daughter) Leslie, (son-in-law) Roger & (Sister) Irene Berg, (Brother) Sid Martin also his (nephew) Martin Pritchard.
Survived by the love of his life Mary, of 60 years. Don Martin Jr.(Voula, Chloe, Louis & very special great grand daughter Maci Van Schaik), Kathy (Gord Phillips, Chad, Adam, Reed Andronik). Also sister Hazel Pritchard of New Westminster BC & nieces & nephews.
A special thank you to Dr. Joan Bratty & Dr. Ross McDonald & Staff. Dr. Scott McKee & the staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital. Bastion Place, Community Care, Paramedics for their compassion & help, & the staff of St. Paul’s Hospital.
Family & Friends are welcome to gather to share stories & memories of Don’s life on Saturday July 27th 1-5 pm at Don & Mary’s home 2251-1st Ave. SE, Salmon Arm.
Happy Trolling Don on Sulphurous Lake, may the fish always be biting!
Mary & Kathy and family
I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out today (while searching for someone else) that Don passed away. I’m sorry I did not make the service. As difficult as a loss is, I hope your are finding solace that he is now at peace & pain free.
All my best. Carolyn
Dear Mary, Don Jr, Kathy and children
How hard it is to lose someone as large in life as Don/dad was- his intensities, humour, hard work, contributions to his community, good friend/neighbour, and
all around admirable man. Our heartfelt condolences to you, and we are thankful that all of us in our family, shared in having know Don. Special hugs to you , Mary.
We would like to send our condolences to Don’s family.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jerry and Winnie McCoy
Mrs Martin ,Donnie and Kathy
I am so sorry to hear about Mr Matin. Even though we have not seen each in a few years I will still very much miss him. I am very proud to say that Mr Martin played a huge role in the way I grew up and one of the main mentors in the way my life has unfolded which I am very proud of. Even though we all hated the Sunday 4am hockey practises(especially Donnie and I) I still remember the fun we had once we sobered up. The Sunday morning all you could eat scrambled eggs at the Smith house sometimes made it all worth while. Mr Martin and all of us were all lucky to have Mrs Martin to keep everyone in line including Mr Martin who would never admit it but even he new the truth. I will never forget all the the fun we had at the Smith and Martin homes where my mom and Mrs Martin always made mine and Donnie’s friends feel like it was their second home.I really miss all of you and think of you all the time. Mr Martin will always be in my thoughts.
Love you all
Tom