MARTIN TATELMAN -

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MARTIN TATELMAN 1924 - 2006 Martin Harvey Tatelman, elder of the two sons of Nathan and Lillian (nee Luginsky) Tatelman, was born in Winnipeg on March 2, 1924, and died, suddenly and unexpectedly, on November 17, 2006. Jill Tatelman, Martin's first child, died at the age of four in 1953. His dear companion of many years, Lisa Hoare, passed away on May 3, 2002. Martin is survived his younger brother Norman Tatelman (Ruby); his former wife Muriel; sons, Kerry (Cheryl), Joel (Ai Zhen) and Jack, and grandchildren, Adam and Sara. Prior to the Second World War, Martin graduated from St. John's High School in Winnipeg and began degree studies at the University of Manitoba. During this time he joined the Twelfth Field Company of the Royal Canadian Engineers as a reservist and later, while still at university, the Canadian Officer Training Corps. After the outbreak of the war, Martin transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He qualified as both a pilot and navigator, and was transferred to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. He completed three operational tours in Bomber Command, flying missions over Germany, and by the age of 21, achieved the rank of Squadron Leader and received a number of decorations for valour, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1944, he was returned to the RCAF and repatriated. Back in Canada, Martin served on both coasts as Airways and Flying Control Officer. Of particular strategic importance were his responsibilities for air search operations on the 1000 miles of the Alaska Highway over which the United States Air Force was ferrying aircraft to support the Russian war effort. Upon discharge at the end of the war, Martin transferred to reserve status. He last flew as a pilot in 2001. In 1947, Martin joined, and soon assumed direction of, Mayers Limited, a small Winnipeg manufacturing company. Over the years, he grew the organization to the point where the activities of the successor firm, Mayers Fibre Tube and Core, vastly exceeded those of the original company, with sales and distribution in six Canadian provinces and all 50 American states. Another successor company, Mayers Packaging, was deeded to Martin's brother Norman and eldest son Kerry, who operated it successfully for many years, until Norman's retirement. For most of his adult life--beginning decades before the terms holistic and aerobic were commonly known to Canadians--Martin studied, practised and helped others discover the benefits of disciplined exercise and natural approaches to health care. In tandem with his demanding corporate responsibilities, he carried out research in these areas almost daily, and maintained a carefully regulated program of diet and exercise. Martin was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the St. Boniface Hospital Research Group and of naturopathic and holistic medicine in Manitoba, across Canada and worldwide. A board member of the Manitoba Naturopathic Association, he was a major force in the Manitoba Legislature's passing of a bill formally recognizing the validity of natural approaches to health care. Martin himself treated hundreds of Winnipeggers using natural methods until the city had achieved a critical mass of qualified Doctors of Naturopathy. A co-founder, in 1959, of his city's first martial arts school, the Winnipeg School of Judo and Karate, Martin held a Black Belt in both disciplines, and remained a strong supporter of martial arts education throughout his life. Everyone who knew Martin or who worked with or for him in any of his endeavours, whether in business, natural medicine or the martial arts, will remember a man of exceptional acumen, dedication, integrity and fair-mindedness. An unassuming man who quietly did extraordinary things, he will be sorely missed. Martin is gone before his time, but his contributions will live on. The graveside funeral for Martin was held in Winnipeg at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery on November 20, 2006. Pallbearers were sons, Kerry and Joel; nephew Grant Kahane, Perry Rayburn, Jerry Bellan and Murray Bellan.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2006