RUSSEL (RUSS) R. MARTENS

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RUSSEL (RUSS) R. MARTENS November 18, 1939 - November 20, 2011 It is with deep sadness we announce that our beloved Russ has lost his battle with heart disease at the age of 72. He passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Health Sciences Centre after recently undergoing surgery. He is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend Linda; his two sons, Steven of Brandon, and Daniel (Tabitha); sisters Virginia Gillespie and June Stewart; sister-in-law Beverly Ryman and many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his father Jacob and mother Marie; in-laws Bruno and Gertie Heichert; and brothers-in law Len Ryman and Ray Gillespie. Russ grew up in St. Vital and when he wasn't looking out for his two younger sisters, he was playing outside in what was then the outskirts of the city. He was a sports-loving kid who spent his days with his friends playing hockey, baseball and football. After attending Glenlawn high school, Russ was working as a draftsman at Manitoba Bridge when he met Linda by the office water fountain. They were married on June 22, 1963 and moved to their home in Transcona in 1964 where they lived for 47 years and raised their two sons. Earlier this fall, Russ and Linda moved to a new apartment where he loved to watch the sunrise from their balcony. Most of his working life was spent in management and sales, starting as a store manager for IGA before moving to Kimberly-Clark and finally Clairol/Bristol-Myers. He had worked with the company for more than a decade when he was slowed by a major heart attack in 1991, and had to go on disability. He retired as an area sales manager in 1992. Russ was active in the hockey community in Transcona as a coach and also served on the East End Community Club and Transcona Minor Hockey Association executives for many years. He hardly ever missed being in the stands for one of Steven and Daniel's games. Although he was mindful of the limitations placed on him by his weakened heart, Russ made the most of his 20 years of retirement, traveling with Linda to Hawaii, Arizona, California, the Maritimes and spending many wonderful winter months in Victoria. In recent years, he was always happy on Saturday mornings when he got a chance to tee it up with his friends at the Windsor Park Golf Course. But his real retirement hobby was using his extra time to help out family and friends, who were the beneficiaries of his kindness and generosity. Russ never said no to anyone who was in need of a helping hand. The memory of his ready smile, sparkling eyes and kind heart will be cherished by all who knew him. A celebration of Russ' life will be held on Friday, November 25 at 10:30 a.m., at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hugh Smith for 19 years of care, and Dr. Shawn Thomas, Dr. G. Assuras, and the staff of S.I.C.U. and GH3 at Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Russ to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2011