In Loving Memory Of
Ronald George Martin
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ron Martin, longtime resident of Grande Prairie, AB. He left us on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the age of 82 years. The last few months proved very difficult, but he never once complained and his family are relieved that he is now at peace.
Ron was born February 25, 1938 in Didsbury, AB, to Jack and Ethel Martin. He was the oldest son and second of five children. After his father recuperated from wounds suffered overseas during the war, the family moved north to Codesa where they farmed for a number of years. Following his graduation from high school in Wanham, AB, Ron headed back south and went to work for R. McCuthcheon, ALS on a survey crew based out of Calgary, AB.
It was during this time he had a chance encounter with Patsy Spraggs, a skinny, feisty farm girl from Hythe. They were married in 1957 and she remained the cornerstone of his life for 63 years, right to the end.
Son Greg was born in 1958 and daughter Janice followed in 1960. Ron truly loved his job surveying, travelling to every corner of the province. Unfortunately, in those days, it meant being away from home for months at a time, hardly ideal for raising a young family. So, in 1964, the decision was made to return north again, joining his parents and other family members in Grande Prairie.
He started work for the City of Grande of Prairie as a draftsman and, over the next 31 years, moved his way up through various roles including Superintendent of Public Works and finally Director of Engineering Services, the position he held at retirement in 1995. He held dear the many acquaintances he made there over the years.
The family lost Janice to cancer in 1996, leaving a huge hole in Ron’s heart that never truly healed.
Ron was an avid rock hound and the whole extended Martin clan spent many Sundays walking the creeks and rivers of the Peace Country, amassing a large collection. This meant he had to take up lapidary, turning them into jewelry and other beautiful creations. Ron and Pat loved camping with a close group of well-loved friends and eventually were joined by their two granddaughters for many cherished adventures. In later years, Ron took up water colour painting and his works hang proudly on the walls of friends and family.
Ron was a Life member of ASET (Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists) and a proud, active member of Branch 54 of the Royal Canadian Legion, where you could be assured of finding him every Friday evening, cursing his bad luck at the meat draws.
He will be sadly missed by the love of his life, his wife Pat; son Greg (Iris); grandchildren Katelyn Arac and Abby Martin (Travis); brothers Gordon (Marilyn) and Allan (Lorraine); sister Jackie (Ken); son in-law Brent Arac (Lise); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His many lifelong friends will know who they are, without being mentioned.
He was predeceased by his parents, elder sister Alaire Roberts, and daughter Janice Arac.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff of 5 North for their attentions, Prairie Lake Hospice for the exemplary work of the staff, and a special heart-felt thank you to Dr. James Pope.
There will be no formal service, but Ron’s wishes were to “buy one last round for the crew” at the local Legion. The family hopes to honour this wish once the ongoing coronavirus situation allows.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association (9920 91 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 0G3) or any other charity of your choosing (they are all worthy).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ronald George Martin February 25 1938 August 31 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta