Passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Village in Midland on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Alan, dedicated father of five, grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 13 and counting. Together with his wife Barbara, raised their family through positive influence and example; unquestionable support; grace and empowering understanding.
A man committed to life, family, faith, country, and community.
Born on Dec 12, 1930, in Quebec City, Alan was the youngest of three boys. He attended Quebec City High School. He studied at Toronto and Carleton universities graduating with an accounting degree. He articled for his Chartered Accountant designation with Price Waterhouse. He served as an officer with the Royal Canadian Artillery Militia, 7th Regiment, reaching the rank of Major.
Alan and Barbara were married in Quebec City at St. Matthews Anglican Church in 1954. Alan began a career and family in Toronto. He worked with TransCanada Pipelines and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). In 1974 Alan made a successful bid to become a Member of Parliament in the riding of Scarborough West with the 30th Parliament under the Trudeau Liberals. He achieved Cabinet positions as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Consumer & Corporate Affairs, and Finance portfolios. He remained very active in politics throughout his life.
Alan and family moved to Medonte Township in 1974 while maintaining his professional and political careers. In 1979 he established a Chartered Accounting firm in Elmvale Ontario. He expanded into the communities of Penetanguishene and Barrie. Alan served the communities with distinction until the eventual sale of his practice in 2010. He was dedicated to service throughout his life with professional and community involvements including:
Anglican Church, warden and organist
St. Johns Ambulance
Ontario March of Dimes
Boy Scouts of Canada
The Carter Commission
National Capital Commission
Penetanguishene General Hospital
NAV Canada
Alzheimer’s Society
Alan Martin lived into his 92nd year. Beloved husband of Barbara Martin (nee Learmonth). Dear father of John David (Pinky Marron) of Vancouver Island, Catherine (Gary) French of Elmvale, Jennifer (Vern) Jolie of Vasey, Robert Martin of Penetanguishene, and Peter (Sheera) Martin of New Jersey. Loving grandfather of Reta, Ron, Anne Louise, Kevin, Christopher, Matthew, Derek, Danielle, Jacob, Drew, and Parker. Proud great-grandfather of William, Jacqueline, Elsbeth, Pippa, Delphine, Gavin, Willow, Juliana, Thomas, Daniel, Arienne, Charlie, and Owen. Brother of Peter (Vivian) Martin, and the late Derek (survived by Molly) Martin. Brother-in-law of the late Jean (John) Antonescul. Alan will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial celebration will be held at a later date at St. John’s Anglican Church, Waverley.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MARTIN ALAN GRAY 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Elmvale, Province: Ontario