WILLIAM (BILL) MARTENS Q.C.

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WILLIAM (BILL) MARTENS Q.C. William Martens, aged 81, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2006 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, at Bethania Personal Care Home, in Winnipeg. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Andrea Martens and Lisa Martens, and their mother Dagmar; sisters, Susan Froese, Helen Martens, and Anne Braun (Ernie Braun), all of Winnipeg; brothers, John Martens and Peter Martens of Sanford, MB; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Anna Martens, and in-laws, Ruth Martens and Dave Froese. Bill was born in Sagradovka, Ukraine, in 1925. He and his family immigrated to Canada in 1930. They eventually settled in Sanford, Manitoba, where he completed high school. He then achieved his B.A. at United College (University of Winnipeg) and an L.I.B. from the University of Manitoba. He was called to the bar in 1954 and was appointed to the Queen's Council in the early 1970's. Bill spent his legal career working independently, and he retired in the early 1990s. During the course of his career he was involved in various organizations. He loved playing baseball with the Lawyers Baseball League, where he was a star pitcher; he was an active member of the German-Canadian Businessman's Association, and a long time congregant of the First Mennonite Church. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening, hunting and the odd game of poker. Bill was an avid nature enthusiast, generous and a free-thinker. As per Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2007, at the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave., at 11:00 a.m. Bill's family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to all the kind and caring staff and volunteers at Bethania Personal Care Home for all of the care and dedication they showed Bill throughout his time there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada, 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, or Bethania Personal Care Home. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775 - 2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2006