Robert MARTIN

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MARTIN: Robert G. “Bob” Martin passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2011 with Shirley, his loving wife of 59 years, close by. Bob was born May 2nd, 1923 in Govan Saskatchewan where he, along with his three brothers Bruce, Alvin and Joe, were raised on the farm. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Nora and Oscar Martin, infant sister Eileen, and brother Bruce. Bob is survived by his wife Shirley, six sons, Larry (Heidi), Doug (Kari), Rob (Dori), Bill (Lorna), John (Elly) and Gord (Caroline) and fifteen grandchildren Robert (Joyanna), Carla (Ryan), Brian, John, Kristine, Andrew, Kelsey, Haley, Stacey (Mark), Lesley, Giulia, Madeleine, Emilie, Peter and Laura, and two great-grandchildren Liam, and Heidi and many extended family members. Following service in the Canadian Armed Forces WWII, and rising to the rank of Lieutenant in the reserves, Bob graduated in 1947 from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. While at the U of S, he met a special lady whom he soon followed to Winnipeg and courted during the 1950 flood by boating down highway #75 to her summer residence at “Cloverlodge Farm ” south of Morris, Manitoba. They were married in 1952 and subsequently began raising their family of boys (with two sets of twins). Bob started his career with the Country Guide publication and later with Manitoba Hydro’s rural electrification program. He was an entrepreneur who endured challenging economic times and prevailed through hard work and prudent business acumen. His first business venture was “Bob’s Esso” in Winnipeg. He soon moved to Brandon where, with different partners, he owned and operated the International Harvester Dealership which grew and serviced the community for over 30 years. Aside from the IHC dealership and other business ventures, he was also a successful farmer, rancher and land developer. Bob and Shirley raised their sons at Brookwood Farms on the outskirts of Brandon, which is now known as Brookwood Park. Brandon was good to Bob and Shirley and their growing family, and they were fortunate to know many tremendous people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. With the support of Shirley, Bob was very involved in the community as President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Brandon General Hospital Board, and was also the Brandon Industrial Commissioner. Bob joined the Rotary Club of Brandon and eventually becoming President. He later joined the Rotary Club of White Rock and remained active in Rotary for over 50 years. In 1981, Bob and Shirley retired and moved to White Rock B.C. where they continued to actively enjoy many of life's blessings with their growing family and the many wonderful friends that they met through Rotary and their community. One of Bob and Shirley's greatest joys was hosting family and friends from far and near and enriching the lives of many. They enjoyed their west coast garden and their holidays to Maui. Bob will forever be remembered for his dedication to his wife and family, his inspiration to his nieces and nephews, his honorable service to the community and wonderful hospitality that he so generously shared with all who knew him.The family wish to thank the staff at Deltaview Life Enrichment Centre for Bob’s exceptional care. A Celebration of Life in Bob Martin’s honour will be held in the fall of this year. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Alzheimer’s Association.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 09, 2011