ALBERT ALEXANDER MARTIN (published on February 27, 2010)
| ALBERT ALEXANDER MARTIN (AB) March 29, 1916 - February 25, 2010 Predeceased by his parents, Anne Gibbons and John Martin, all eight of his siblings, and his wife of 48 years, Beth Martin (nee Laing). Ab leaves to mourn his beloved sister-in-law, Estelle Laing (nee Tiltman) of Vancouver, dear daughter, Donna Elizabeth Martin (Kim Orris) of Winnipeg and wonderful son, John Charles Martin (Lorri Kwasnicia) of Headingley, five outstanding grandchildren - Taylor Elizabeth Martin and Ben, Trisha, Lloyd, Mathew Orris as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Children brought Ab sheer delight but the sun rose and set on his grandchildren. Ab was born in Springfield and grew up in Winnipeg on Pacific Avenue and then Inkster Boulevard. He always wore a hat and most times, was driving a vehicle of some sort. He credited his longevity and health to walking long distances in the company of his devoted sisters and being a pick and shovel man. To his mother's chagrin, Ab served overseas in the Royal Canadian Armed Forces as a sapper in Second World War and remained in Germany after the war to help rebuild the infrastructure. In 1949, Ab went on a blind date with Beth Laing, a vivacious young telephone operator with Canada Packers. Their golf game must have been a hit as they married in 1950 at the Martin home on Inkster Blvd. With Beth's assistance, Ab constructed the family home in Charleswood in 1952. He operated heavy equipment and owned A. Martin Construction as well as volunteered as a firefighter in Charleswood. Grandpa drove everything from a motorcycle to a bulldozer to an airplane. Affiliated with the Masons and Khartum Komedians for many years as Windy the Clown, Ab became proficient at creating balloon animals, bringing smiles to children's faces and cringes to his two teenaged children. When he retired, Ab enjoyed sharing early morning breakfasts with his friend, Shane Langdale as they talked about their passion - motorcycles. Ab drove a school bus for King Transportation and was dedicated to getting students to and from Balmoral Hall promptly and safely. Thanks to Dr. J. Smart for many years of excellent care and support and Pauline Pickle, a research nurse from the Prevention of a Second Stroke project at St. Boniface General Hospital who conducted Ab's assessments with compassion and delightful humour. Many thanks to Julie, the best pharmacist in the whole wide world. Recently, Ab resided at Sturgeon Creek II where he jokingly demanded and gratefully received full cups of coffee with every meal. The exemplary staff at Sturgeon Creek II ensured that all aspects of his life were full to the brim. Private family interment at Chapel Lawn with a celebration of life to be held at the home of John, Lorri and Taylor at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross or the Manitoba Heart Stroke Foundation. Chapel Lawn 885-9715 |
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