It is with great sadness and heartfelt loss that we announce the passing of our dad Donald Edward Martin at the age of 84, on September 10th 2021 with family at his side, at Columbia View Lodge.
He leaves behind and will be forever and deeply missed by his son Mark (Mary Ellen), daughter Marlese (Kevin), grandchildren; Andrew (Ashley), Kayla, Kassandra and Alixandria as well as his great-grandchildren Aaliyah and Rylan, sister Nancy (Dick) and all his nieces and nephews. He has now joined his wife Joan, son David, brother Bruce, brother Allen and his wife Karen and their son Jeff.
Dad was the first of 4 children born on December 5th, 1936, at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC. Shortly after, he and his parents moved to Headly, BC and then to Rossland where his other siblings, Allen (Porky), Bruce and Nancy were born. In his mid-teens he lived with the Scorgie family until he met his love Joan (mom) at the age of 17. They were married on Dec. 2, 1955 and started their family in 1956 when David was born. Mark came along in 1961 and then Marlese in 1968.
Dad’s love of skiing began when he was young, and this was a passion he loved to pass on to his loved ones. He taught his baby sister Nancy how to ski at Red Mountain when she was 5 years old and then went on to teach his 3 children. Dad started ski jumping in his teens and spent many weekends jumping in Kimberly. He went on to win the Junior Championships in BC and was very proud of his accomplishment and often spoke of it while he was in care.
Dad started his career as a mechanic at Speedway Automotive and then worked for the City of Trail and then West Kootenay Power where he moved up into management until he retired. He was a master mechanic who loved horsepower and tweaking engines to produce the highest performance possible. Dad was a jack of all trades and could fix absolutely anything, he taught us that anything was possible and that anything could be fixed. Duck tape was a favourite! He could often be found in his workshop in the basement of his Rossland home or the shed at the lake tinkering. His shops, toolboxes and workbench were always meticulous, and he always knew exactly where everything was or if it was missing (especially when his boys borrowed his tools). He always had that unique part that could fix anything. Dad was a perfectionist at everything he did. He took great pride in all his belongings and always had the cleanest vehicle, motorhome, boat and golf cart. He would spend hours washing and polishing everything he owned.
His love of boats was always evident. He built a 14-foot plywood and fibreglass boat powered by a 35 horse Evinrude engine. This boat was quite the showstopper as this gem pulled 14 water skiers out of the water all at once at Christina Lake in its days. He later bought a brand-new Star Craft that he had for years and spent many hours in, fishing was in his blood. He was a member of the Tyee Club at the Queen Charlotte Lodge as well as a member of the 20 Pound Club at Woodbury Resort. He was not a dog whisperer but a fish whisperer. Even though all dogs absolutely loved him.
One of dads past times included making wine! He made a wicked apple wine that left many of his friends tipsy or not being able to walk. He liked to experiment with wine and made all sorts including plum and dandelion.
Enthusiastic travellers’ mom and dad travelled all over. They started off camping at Christina Lake in their trailer. They then moved up to a camper, then the Falkland Motor Home finishing off with the Empress. After retiring they became snowbirds and travelled for 15 years to Lake Havasu, Loughlin, Fort Mojave, Yuma, Palm Springs and the California Coast.
When he retired Dad took up golfing, he was very well known at the Fort Mojave Golf Course and the Balfour Golf Course where he was the Senior Champion for 3 years in a row. When he shot 2 different hole in ones he complained as he had to buy everyone in the club house a round of drinks. He always said most golfers drive for show, but his motto was putt for the dough.
Being thrifty was also in his blood. For most the average lifespan of a pair of slippers is a year. For dad he would get 3 years out of them and even then, it was a struggle to get him to wear his new ones. He could make a pair of jeans last a lifetime.
Dad was a man of few words but he will always be remembered as a hard working, generous, kind gentleman who would help or do anything for anyone. He was the best Father and Grandpa ever. He spent many hours teaching us kids all there was to learn, being at our side when ski racing, at swim meets, the hockey rink or just bailing us out of trouble. He was an amazing role model and always treated everyone with love, respect and kindness. Dad passed on many of his hobbies like camping, boating, fishing, travelling, golfing and wine making/drinking to his children and grandchildren. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who would all light up his face.
Through out the years dad battled several different ailments but because of his amazing positive attitude he always pulled through (just like a cat with 9 lives). When mom passed not even 6 months ago he was lost and heart broken with out her. We are comforted in knowing they are reunited.
A celebration of life will be held for both mom and dad at a later date at Woodbury Resort on Kootenay Lake once Covid Restrictions are lifted. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in Dad’s honour to Columbia View Lodge, Trail, BC.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donald Edward Martin September 10th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique