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MARTIN PATRICK KASHTY
It is with great love and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Martin.
Martin is survived by his partner of 28 years, Ron Hajes, and his brothers, Myron and Michael (Ann). Also surviving are his father Nick, nieces, Alarice Arianna and Meagan and nephew Nicholas, along with many friends - you know who you are.
Martin was born on July 29, 1961, the youngest of three brothers. He grew up in Winnipeg’s North End and lived most of his adult years in Wolseley, with his partner Ron.
Martin taught in the Seven Oaks School Division for many years. He had an exceptional ability to take complex issues and problems and present them in a way that was both informative and entertaining. His unique sense of humour would capture not only student attention but all that knew him. Perhaps most importantly, Martin really cared. He cared about his students, his peers, his friends and his loved ones. And for this he was loved and respected.
Martin knew what should be important in life. It was not the accumulation of wealth and material things, but, instead, relationships and experiences. He saw beauty in so much: gardening, reading and even dandelions. One of Martin’s great joys was spending time at their cottage at Silver Harbour where he and Ron could leave the hustle of the city behind and spend mornings drinking coffee on the front deck, watching deer and other wildlife roam their yard.
Martin believed that life offered so many opportunities, but we had to make an effort to pursue and take advantage of them. He sought knowledge, not for any specific goal, but for its own sake and to widen his understanding and appreciation of the world around him (he was currently working on his PHD in Anthropology). Martin travelled extensively so that he could explore, and experience, the world and cultures outside of Canada. While working as a teacher, he would often take year long sabbaticals to teach in foreign countries. Over the years Martin visited and lived in Thailand, the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Greece, Croatia, and Portugal, where he and Ron began wintering three years ago.
Martin's life was far too short, but it was a life well lived. Perhaps Martin's approach to life is best captured in his own words, in a letter to his niece, Meagan.
To the infinite moments in life:
- To tribulation and to joy;
- To struggle and to accomplishments;
- To discovery and understanding;
for every experience broadens our horizons.
Thank you, Martin, for sharing your life and love with all of us in your family and family of friends. Sleep well.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 21, 2024, Sep 21, 2024
Condolences & Memories (13 entries)
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I lived across the street on Burrows from Martin and went to Lord Nelson as well. We used to play football and Martin would join in and explain Greek mythology to us when we were 9! I think each of us had to be a different Greek God! That's how I learned about Zeus! It was kind of nutty but it was memorable -- same as Martin! Who was a good neighbour, a good guy and I'm sad to learn that he has passed. I lost touch with him but it sounds as if he lived a wonderful life. And it was nice to read the tribute from Robert Chin, who was also my neighbour up the street who was part of our football and street hockey gang along with his brother Richard! - Posted by: Stephen Hunt (Old neighbour) on: Feb 07, 2025
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I had the pleasure of working with Martin many years ago at Forest Park Elementary school. Our creativity connected us. I'll always remember the Walt Disney Characters we created for our show. Our entire staff came out on a Saturday to paint. It will always be my fondest memory. Martin, I know your creative genius is on another level now. Love, Cherynne - Posted by: Cherynne Wright (Colleague ) on: Oct 19, 2024
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Our deepest condolences to Ron and family. We were so saddened to hear about Martin’s passing. Martin was a cherished friend to our mother, Sheila (and our family). My Mom unfortunately has dementia and her ability to recognize people is gone, however mention Martin’s name to her and her face lights up. His friendship meant the world to my Mom. He will be deeply missed. A life taken far too soon. Rest in peace Martin. - Posted by: Kit Silversides (Family Friend) on: Oct 06, 2024
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Sorry to hear of Martin’s passing, sending condolences to Ron and families rest easy Martin this life won’t be same without you, you will be missed. Rip. Dave & Maureen 💔 - Posted by: David Grant (Friend ) on: Sep 28, 2024
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Martin and I, and our respective families, had grown up on Burrows Avenue in Winnipeg's North End community. As children and young adults we had enjoyed many "usual" activities such as: street hockey, neighbourhood walks, cycling, playing 'scrub football' at Sisler's field on weekends, numerous social gatherings at friends' homes and at a Sandy Hook cottage, etc. With a huge chuckle, I reflect on one childhood game commonly known as "Frozen Tag". A very interactive activity but with a unique "Martin Twist". The game rules were cleverly tweaked by Martin to create more interest. But in hindsight, I believe he had enhanced the rules so his chances to prevail a winner was greatly heightened!!! Lol Such fond memories of heading to the local drive-in theater(s) to watch movie after movie, especially on long weekends. And yes, we"might" have snuck in a bottle of Baby Duck or Manishewitz wine to enjoy alongside our drive-in theater fast food treats. I recall Martin's insatiable love of music. While savouring his parent's delicious home baking and/or fresh garden vegetables; we would listen to his favorite music of "Donna Summers", "Queen" and other notorious bands. And yes, striking music via "LP's" (long play vinyl records) on the turntable! Nostalgia at its finest. Martin's brilliance and thirst for knowledge was nothing short of miraculous. He retained s-o-o-o much information with great ease!! One such sparkling example of his inspiring depth of knowledge was his involvement on the Sisler High School's "Reach for the Top" Competitive Team. With pure AMAZEMENT, all those who had the opportunity to watch Martin "in- action" truly witnessed a phenomenon!! He handily beat his competitors (and often his teammates) to firstly activate the response buzzer. But much more impressively, he provided CORRECT ANSWERS to a high 90 percentile of ALL the questions, as presented. This gifted man was beyond golden!! [It is of no wonder that Martin had achieved Academic Honours throughout grades 7-12 and post-secondary studies] This world will miss a compassionate friend and great inspirational leader in that of, Martin Patrick Kashty. But in turn, Heaven will certainly benefit from his gentleness, greatness and solemn words of wisdom. Deepest thoughts and well wishes to his parents Nick and Stella, brothers Myron and Michael and special partner, Ron. Martin: YOU ARE THE VERY BEST. You have touched so many hearts just with your past and present involvements. And now, into the future. We will relish your beautiful memories and love you always. We smile brightly for you Martin. Rest easy friend. Sincerely, Robert Chin and siblings (childhood/neighbourhood friends) - Posted by: Robert Chin (Childhood/Neighbourhood friend) on: Sep 24, 2024
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Mr Kashty may not have directly been my teacher, but I will always remember when my 5th grade class did Pysanky (Ukrainian Egg Art) and made candles with his class, it was, and always has been a major highlight of that school year and I'll always cherish it. Every conversation, every hello in the halls, every wave goodbye at the end of the day, I'll never forget them, and I'll never forget you Mr K. Thank you, and rest in peace. - Posted by: Elaine Kennedy (Student) on: Sep 23, 2024
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Mr. Kashty was my grade 5 teacher many years ago at Forest Park Elementary School. He would tell us all about his travels, taught our class to use chopsticks (with gummy bears) and made school exciting. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Juline - Posted by: Juline Felbel ( nee Edmand) (Student) on: Sep 23, 2024
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Sending my deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to Ron, and to Ron & Martin’s family & friends. - Posted by: Ellen Clarke (Ron’s cousin) on: Sep 22, 2024
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Mr. Kashty was, and always will be, my favourite teacher. I had the immense pleasure of having him for grade 5 in O.V.Jewitt, and it is to his incredible curiosity and creativity that I attribute my own appreciation for life and the wonders in the world around us. I remember sitting in a circle around him with my fellow classmates as he recounted myths and fables of old, and still being enamored with the tale long after the bell rang. I remember the story of the Kappa, the introduction to the Buddhist concept of reincarnation, the tall tale of King Midas, and many more. I remember learning to write in cursive, and the warmth of his shirt every time I buried my head in his chest for a hug. The world is colder with your absence. Let us all try to inspire others, to instill the same spark of warmth into each other which he had sparked within all of us, that we may preserve his soul in a way he would have loved. I'm sorry I never wrote a letter. - Posted by: Eric Glowala (Student) on: Sep 21, 2024
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So sad to see my childhood friend from Lord Nelson School passed. Martin was a kind and caring friend, and so smart everyone thought he would be Prime Minister one day. My deepest condolences. - Posted by: Beverly Miller (nee Kelner) (Childhood friend) on: Sep 21, 2024
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I am truly stunned to hear of Martin’s sudden passing. He was such a pure, kind soul, with love for everyone and everything in God’s world. He taught me so much about friendship, because he was such a good listener and was filled with endless empathy. I shall miss him more than words could say. Kindest regards to his family, and especially to you, Ron, for this heartbreaking loss. - Posted by: Sherryl Melsted (Friend) on: Sep 21, 2024
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My condolences to his family and friends. I knew Martin when we were young men. He had a brilliant mind and was always generous with his time. He had a knack of getting people together, regardless of their differences. You will be missed. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Richard Gasior (Old friend ) on: Sep 21, 2024
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We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Martin's passing. He was a kind and gentle soul. We will miss our talks on the driveway and our get-togethers. Our condolences to Ron and Martin's family. - Posted by: Jim and Dianne Swaile (Friends from Silver Harbour) on: Sep 21, 2024

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