It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father Martin (Marty) Sidney George Hassam born October 14th, 1930 in Montreal, Quebec; died September 13th, 2022 in Barrie, Ontario in his 92nd year.
Dear son of Alfred and Ivy Hassam (nee Wilkins), brother of Nancy Champagne (nee Hassam) and Irene Hassam (both Pre-deceased). Loving Husband of Vivian Anita Hassam (nee Norris). Proud Father of Eric Martin Hassam (Sharon), Mt. Uniacke, Nova Scotia; Victoria Margaret Riley (Cory), Wasaga Beach, Ontario; Chrisena Irene Hassam, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Cherished Grandfather of Carlie Martin Hassam, Shearwater, Nova Scotia; Robin Alexander Hassam, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Elizabeth Chrisena Rolet, Porters Lake, Nova Scotia; Emily Madeleine Rolet, London, Ontario; Patrick Nelson Riley, Sudbury, Ontario; Nicholas Martin Riley, Sudbury, Ontario; Sydney Victoria Riley, Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Adoring Great Grandfather of Zoey Elizabeth Sampson, Zachary Martin Moorehouse.
Marty was born in Montreal near the beginning of the Great Depression. He was a first generation Canadian whose parents emigrated from the UK. He grew up in a working class neighborhood on Dickson Street, in the Eastern part of the city.
Circa 1952-53 he spent time in Goose Bay, Labrador working on the Defense Early Warning (DEW) Line. Around that time Marty began building the Hassam family home in Terrebonne Heights, Quebec. He was able to do almost anything, from pouring concrete to plumbing and electrical. He built his family’s house with his own hands and even drove the bulldozer that dug the hole for his foundation.
On the 6th of November 1954 he married the love of his life, Vivian and they have remained together until his recent passing – almost 68 years. In 1958 they welcomed their first child, Eric into the world, followed by their first daughter, Vicki in 1961 and their second daughter, Chrissy in 1964.
In 1953 Marty joined the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Police force. He was on hand as part of the security detail for the visit of Queen Elizabeth ll to Quebec City in 1964. He remained with the CPR for several years then briefly took a job as a refrigeration technician for the Steinberg’s Grocery Chain.
Marty joined the Hampstead Police Department in 1967, and then the Montreal Urban Community (MUC) Police after amalgamation. He spent the remainder of his working life in the MUC rising to the rank of Sergeant and becoming a union representative for the Police Brotherhood. Marty loved being a police officer and was very proud of his 38 years of service in uniform.
Marty loved travelling. He and Vivian visited Europe, the West Indies and took cruises. Their love of camping took them and their family to PEI almost every summer for many years and after a few memorable evenings at the Barbados pavilion at Expo 67; they became regular visitors to that Island as well.
Upon retirement, Martin and Vivian sold their house, bought a truck and a fifth wheel, and became Snowbirds, spending summers in Canada visiting friends and family. Winters were spent in Florida, Texas, Arizona, or California, enjoying the warm weather. When age and health concerns made travelling difficult, Martin bought a home near his eldest daughter and spent his final years gardening, puttering, telling stories and enjoying the occasional Rum and Ginger.
For a long time, Marty courageously fought cancer with few complaints. In his final years he struggled with dementia. His passing leaves a large hole in the lives of his immediate family. His outgoing personality, ready conversation and easy laughter really filled a room. “Uncle Mart” will be missed by all his nieces and nephews. Marty will also be missed by the many friends he made and kept over the decades. A life well-lived.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Martin ‘Marty’ Sidney George Hassam Tuesday September 13 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Collingwood, Province: Ontario