ALBERT (AL) L.D. MARTIN

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ALBERT (AL) L.D. MARTIN Beloved husband of Patricia, passed away, on December 22, 2008, at the age of 87. He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Martin, of Medicine Hat, Alberta; his first wife of 40 years, Alma; his grandson Tyler Gibson; his sister Agnes Egler; and his brothers, P.O. Ivan Martin (R.CV.A.F.), Victor Martin and Lloyd Martin. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Patricia; daughters, Shirley Sywulych (Steve), Joan Gibson (Allen), Linda Ellerman, (Mark); son Douglas (Lyn); sisters, Eileen Hoffman and Delores Green; brother Larry Martin; and eight grandchildren, as well as, his stepdaughter Larissa Thomis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Al was born and raised on a farm in S.W. Saskatchewan in 1921. He attended high school in Swift Current and in June, 1940 he joined the army. He served overseas including D-Day until his discharge in 1945. After Military service he attended The University of Saskatchewan where he obtained a BSA in Agriculture and a Master of Science. After university Al was employed at the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. He later transferred to the Agriculture Canada Research Station in Winnipeg. He remained there until 1960, when he became a Crop Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. He was later promoted to Chief of the Crops Section, where he remained until his retirement, after 25 years of service. In 1970 to 1971 Al was sent to Kenya, East Africa, under sponsorship of the Canadian International Development Agency. He remained there for a year and was stationed near Nairobi. Al was an ardent supporter of his church and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Council 1107 in Winnipeg and served two terms as Grand Knight, as well as, Trustee. He was active in the formative years of his church Parish Council and served two terms as President. Al and his wife Patricia loved to travel and toured many countries in Europe. They also liked to participate in cruises. In their 11 cruises, they sailed on most of the major cruise lines. They loved to square dance and round dance and most evenings of the winter they joined their friends in this activity. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Vital Parish Church, 1629 Pembina Hwy. at Manahan. Interment will follow in Thomson In the Park Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Pallbearers will be Russ Guinan; grandsons, Andrew Ellerman, Kyle Gibson; and sons-in-law, Mark Ellerman, Allen Gibson, Steve Sywulych. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Send expressions of sympathy to www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2009