ERNEST WILLIAM MARTIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNEST WILLIAM (BILL) MARTIN 1920 - 2016 Bill Martin, a proud Winnipegger all his life, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 in the veterans' wing of Deer Lodge Centre. Predeceased by his parents, Duncan and Grace; brothers, Gordon and Leslie; sister Elsie; his wife of 55 years, Ruth (nee Kieper); and great-grandson Charlie Petrie, he is survived by daughter Maralie, of Toronto (grandchildren: Emily, Nicole (Jeff), Keith (great-grandson Liam) and Theo) and son Bob (Susie Strachan), of Winnipeg (grandchildren: Duncan and Liam). Born June 17, 1920, Bill grew up in the West End, and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He joined the Canadian Army during the first year of the Second World War, and proudly served for the duration, first in England in Signals Corps and then on the continent as a tank commander in the Canadian Armoured Corps, serving most of his career as a Sergeant. Returning to Winnipeg, Bill met Ruth while both worked at Birks Jewellers, and they were married in 1947. In 1954, they settled into their newly-built home in the then-new suburb of Fort Garry, which his mother Grace was dismayed was "waaaay out therrrre!" In that home, they raised their children and loved their grandchildren. In 1960, they obtained a lease on a lakefront lot at Red Rock Lake in Whiteshell Park, where Bill found his great passion and built the family cottage largely from spare parts and recycled materials, proudly creating the cozy "Martin's Nest" for three generations of Martins to enjoy. Years of summers, Thanksgivings, weekends, and then retirement, were spent swimming, sailing, canoeing, hiking and sharing this haven. Bill was a keen observer with a deep wisdom and a quiet wit, and the wonderful attitude of 'live and let live'. His quiet, wry sense of humour often took even his closest friends by surprise. A man of his times, he was not one to show his emotions, but he dearly loved his children and grandchildren and did all he could to raise them and guide them as best as he could. He loved to dance, and was well known at parties for his smooth stylings, always enjoying a full dance card. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the caring and hard working staff at Deer Lodge Centre, Tower 5, who made his last years so much better. Cremation has occurred and he will be laid to rest beside his wife in the family plot at Brookside. He is privately remembered by his family, and at his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association, Deer Lodge Centre Foundation or the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2016