Obituary
David Martin – Passed away peacefully at St. Clare’s on March 23, 2020 at the age of 79. Predeceased by his wife Anna, sister Jacqueline Whittle, brother Stuart, and parents George and Barbara. Left with so many lovely memories are daughters Hilary and Jennifer (Bill Drover), grandsons Michael and Mark, brother Cabot (Deidre McLoughlin), as well as a large group of family and friends.
Dave grew up in Channel-Port aux Basques. As the son of an Anglican minister, the value of hard work and education was instilled early. In his teens, he joined Cadets and then the ROTC, spending many summers working at military bases across Canada. He graduated from Memorial University and became a high school teacher, first teaching in Port aux Basques and then in St. John’s. It was at Bishop’s College that he met fellow teacher and love of his life Anna Cameron. They married in December 1964, and moved to Corner Brook, where they both taught. Dave worked as a labourer in the paper mill in the summers to save enough money for law school at Dalhousie University. Halifax was such an adventure for them, the place where they met so many life-long friends.
They returned to St. John’s, and Dave was a founding partner of the law firm Martin, Whalen, Hennebury and Stamp. As a lawyer, he was noted for his mediation skills, bringing disputes to a resolution with his patient manner. But he was better known to his family and friends as a storyteller, fisherman and guitar player. He took his beloved Martin guitar on many adventures “up in the woods” with Boyd and Chuck, Fred, Dave Morgan and so many others. Many will remember him in his red Toyota truck that he drove through most of the 1980s, aluminum boat tied to the top, always ready for a trip on the water. There were songs and stories where ever he went, and that is what we will miss most.
Like many people, Dad struggled with depression in his later years. Thank you to all the staff of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Waterford Hospital for their unending support – Dr. Truskolaski, Chris, Melissa, Tom, Donna, Katie, Jamie and so many others who give so much to help those who are so vulnerable.
Cremation has taken place. Due to the current Public Health Advisory of COVID-19, no gathering will be held at this time; we invite people to share their condolences, stories, and photos through www.barretts.ca. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the David Suzuki Foundation (davidsuzuki.org/take-action/) or a charity of your choice. Please email rememberingdavid2020@gmail.com to stay in touch for the announcement of the celebration of life, or to send a donation card.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Martin 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N