Michael David Martin
1950-2019
“Okay, life moves on and so must I”. One of
the many quotes from Michael David Martin, born March 30, 1950 and
left home base for one final trip on November 1, 2019.
Mike was born in Québec City and lived the first
16 months in the LaCreach orphanage system. Adopted by his parents
Louis Martin and Patricia Smyth Martin in 1952, Mike was raised in St.
Leonard, NB, where he grew up amongst some very loving family members.
Aunt Dora (Merritt Island Florida), Aunt Esther (Toronto) and one of
his many cousins, Linda Smyth (Edmunston) were among his favourites.
Linda is of special mention because of the ongoing teasing she endured
as a child growing up with Mike. She has since forgiven
him.
Mike adored working with children and spent the last 55 years
passing on his love and knowledge to his Navy League cadets and his
students from teaching/guidance counsellor work in Quispamsis Rothesay
area. His education included a BA in History, MA in Education and his
Psy.D in Educational Counselling.
Mike fell in love immediately after meeting his wife, Betty
Brown Martin, in 2003 on an internet dating site. She fell in love
with that smile and laugh and he with her adeptness in spilling food
on her front and surviving the embarassment during the first date. It
was instant and unconditional on both parts. They learned a lot from
each other. Betty taught him to use different forms of media other
than just the radio and CBC; showed him how to use FB-which may not
have been such a great idea in retrospect. He was so excited about FB
he actually had 2 accounts. Betty agreed to listen to CBC, and Mike
agreed to watch Law and Order, one of their many compromises at having
the best life as a couple. Their last year together was especially
precious as they shared all their feelings knowing what their future
held. Nothing was left unsaid.
In addition to his wife, Mike will continue to be loved by
his amazing children, Laura Ann Galbraith and her partner Mark Sharp
of Guelph, ON, and Luke Martin (also known as “number one
son) and his partner, David Morrison (his son-in-law to be) of Ajax,
ON. Of special mention are Mike’s granddaughters, Darah and
Kaylah Galbraith who he loved with all his being. Also among
Mike’s cherished and beloved family are his step
grandchildren, Bright and Lindsay Rose, and their parents, Jessica
(Mike’s step daughter) and Darren Rose (Moncton). Mike will
be sadly missed by his brother-in-law David Brown and wife Therese
Rousseau Brown and sister-in-law Carol Patterson, all of
Fredericton.
There were other great loves in Mikes life, his beloved
Goldie, Casey who passed just this last May. They join Chance, Mike
and Betty’s very first dog together. Undoubtedly, they will
all be prancing around and getting into much mischief together. Left
behind to watch over Betty is Mike’s girl, Abby, who is
missing him dearly.
Mike’s greatest joy in life other than family and
friends was gardening, fishing and painting. Mike never mastered corn
growing but that never stopped him from trying. He never mastered
fishing but loved to go and drive all day looking for the best fishing
hole around. Sometimes he would even come home with something
resembling a fish.
Mike did, however, master being one amazing, loving husband,
partner and friend. He loved his audience and could speak for hours on
any subject, much like most teachers. He had such a happy and charming
smile and the laugh to go with.
This is what he would want to share with us left to cherish
his memory.
“Please don’t cry because
I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you
can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away). Today I am happy
and I am dancing. Probably naked. If you want to, you can
look for me in the evening sunset or with the earliest spring
daffodils or amongst the flitting and fluttering butterflies or maybe
in the corn fields. You know I’ll be there in one form or
another. So, in the end, remember… do your best, follow
your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never
stop smiling.”
Everyone who remembers Mike is asked to celebrate life in
their own way. Raising a glass of your favourite drink in
Mike’s memory would be quite appropriate. He preferred rum
and coke, by the way.
Special thanks go out to our wonderful neighbours, Travis
Foster and Tracie Ouellette, who have been and continue to be such
amazing support. Couldn’t have done it without them. Also,
to my family, Carol, Dave and Therese, my niece Michele
Rankin. Thanks to the nurses and doctors in Palliative Care
on 3E, Nurses Greg and Laurinda who were especially kind and caring.
All were special. Dr. Goodyear, Dr. Wylie and Dr. Christie, our GP who
helped him through many tough situations over the years. And special
mention to Dr. Binedell who provided specialized care for the last
couple of years. Extra special thanks for Hospice House staff and
director, a dear friend, Dr. Bea Sainz.
Visitation will be held at McAdam’s Funeral Home on Tuesday,
November 5, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 4
will hold a tribute service beginning at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated from St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church on
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice House, such an
amazing platform to the next phase of life.
www.mcadamsfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael David Martin 19502019..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick