James MARTIN

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MARTIN: James Bruce Martin passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014 in Wawanesa, MB. Bruce was born to Arthur Moore and Edith Marion (Groves) Martin on October 28, 1928 on the Martin homestead SE 12-7-19 in the RM of Oakland. Art was born at the same location. Bruce grew up as the eldest of six children. Bruce attended school at Riverbank and Nesbitt schools. He rode the bike in the fall and spring and boarded in Nesbitt in the winter months. When he got his driver’s license and sometimes before, he often drove the car in the spring and fall. Bruce started to run the tractor in the spring of 1939 and continued helping and farming with his dad until about 1960. After his school years, Bruce worked at Breen’s Motors. On October 18, 1952, Bruce married Ruth Keir from Morden in St. Paul’s United Church, Morden, Manitoba. They began their life together on the farm located on NE 6-7-18 in the Nesbitt Community where they lived for the next 61 years. Bruce and Ruth farmed until 1996 when they sold the farm to their younger son, Kelly, then they continued to reside on the farm and assist with farming until March 2014. Ruth and Bruce danced with numerous Square Dance clubs including Nesbitt, Wawanesa and Glenboro. When their family was young, their social event without any children was square dancing. When they had more time on their hands, the time spent dancing increased. Their winters in Osoyoos, B.C. were filled with dances and socializing. Bruce was known to call at square dances and to sing along to a favorite song. Bruce was always a “John Deere man” and this carried on into his retirement when he purchased and restored nine vintage tractors and a combine. He took them to parades – and was awarded second place for Best Restored Tractor Pre-1934 at Prairie Pioneer Days in 2009. Bruce was interested in local history. He had a collection of books from different municipalities and towns in this part of the province, many of which were passed on to him from his parents. Bruce also had a few municipal maps of the area. He would often pass the time sitting in his favorite chair, with a book reading about some family history. The books were a source of enjoyment but also, he would look for answers to some question that had come up during a discussion with Ruth or a neighbour. Not only did he have these resources, but Bruce also had an amazing memory for people in the district and how they were connected, not just for his own generation but for his parents’ and grandparents’ as well. Bruce could tell a good story – no family dinner was complete until Bruce shared an experience from days gone by. He entertained us and gave his family roots so they knew a bit of where they came from and of those that had gone before. Other interests included listening to CBC radio – Peter Gzowski’s interviews and Stuart McLean’s stories. During retirement, he regularly went to Nesbitt for coffee, news and reminiscing. Bruce was very active in the community as Treasurer for Berbank United Church, Nesbitt School Board member, Local Board member and delegate for the Manitoba Pool Elevators, Board member and President of the Brandon Consumers Co-op and the Wawanesa Hospital Board. He is survived by children: Brett (Linda), Cathy (Bob), Colleen (Dick) and Kelly (Deb). Grandchildren: Kelsey, Holly; Kyla (Dennis), Daniel (Robyn); Jim, Matt; Katelyn (Jason), Courtney and Kelsey. Great-grandchildren: Maddax, Leighton; Jasper; Tripp. Predeceased 33 days earlier by his wife, Ruth, and also by older brother in infancy, younger brothers Lorne and Gordon and parents: Arthur and Edith Martin. The family would like to thank everyone for their support during the past months. A graveside service was held at Minnewawa Cemetery on Friday, August 15, 2014. Rev. Harvey Hurren officiated. Donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to Canadian Diabetes Association, A1, 800 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB R7A 6N5 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3, 824 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.comArrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre 204-727-0330

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 23, 2014