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MARTIN TAYLOR PEACH
Born: Jul 25, 1922
Date of Passing: May 08, 2021
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MARTIN TAYLOR PEACH
Martin was born in Stonewall, Manitoba on July 25, 1922 to Harry and Ada Peach. He grew up on the family farm near Balmoral, Manitoba and attended Good Hope School and then high school in Balmoral, MB.
Growing up on a family farm meant long hours and lots of hard work but there was still time to pursue recreational pastimes - one of which was curling. He was one of the initial members of the Balmoral Curling Rink joining in 1938 and since that time curling remained a lifetime pursuit either playing the game or avidly following curling on television.
During the Second World War he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1945 and was stationed at St. Thomas, ON; Brandon, MB; and Moncton and Scoudouc, NB.
He met Edith Stanbridge while she was teaching at Good Hope School. They married on April 21, 1945. They raised their three children in a number of communities in Manitoba and moved to Rosedale Avenue in Winnipeg in 1968 where they lived together until her passing in 2012. Martin continued in their home supported by neighbours, church friends, and past colleagues until he moved in 2019 to Calgary's Colonel Belcher Retirement Residence.
Martin and Edith began married life on the Peach family farm where he also opened his first service station, gaining experience in automotive mechanics and servicing. In 1960 he joined Manitoba Hydro to work in the heavy equipment maintenance field. During his 25 years there he earned numerous certificates and concluded his career there as senior tradesman on hydraulic equipment. He retired from Manitoba Hydro in June of 1985.
Always a faithful member of the United Church of Canada, Martin and Edith regularly attended services and were active members of the Riverview and Churchill Park United Churches.
They experienced travel through Europe and the Mediterranean, joining tours with his son Ralph and daughter-in-law Ann. Trips were also made to Hawaii, North Carolina and across Canada from one coast to the other.
Martin continued to curl during Winnipeg's winters and after retiring from Manitoba Hydro he curled with the Senior's League at the Fort Rouge Curling Club for 20 years. During his working years Martin had played baseball with Manitoba Hydro teams. After retiring he was one of the founding members of the South Winnipeg slo-pitch league in 1988. For 20 years he played with the league, finally stopping at the age of 85.
In retirement, woodworking came to be one of his favourite pastimes to keep occupied and bring in a couple of extra dollars. The car was expelled to a carport and the garage completely converted to a fully equipped woodworking shop. Out of this workshop came custom made items, pieces of furniture, as well as crafts sold at a local artisan's shop and other businesses. Martin's wood work graces the Churchill Park United Church and remains a testament to his skill and care.
Martin volunteered at the Riverview Health Centre woodworking shop attached to their day hospital. Here, for 22 years he used his expertise in woodworking to assist patients with their physical therapy through the creation of woodworking crafts.
He is survived by sons, Kenneth (Terry MacKenzie) of Calgary, AB and Ralph (Julia Rogoff) of Clinton, CT, USA and daughter Patti of Vancouver, BC, his grandchildren Corrie (Judson McCollock), Kaelan and Keir, great-grandchildren, Shelby and Christopher, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Martin was predeceased by his wife Edith, brother Austin Peach and his wife Lois, daughter-in-law Ann, grandson Michael, sister-in-law Bertha Stanbridge, and brothers-in-law, Malcolm and Arthur Stanbridge.
Above everything, Martin loved his family - the one he was born into, the one he married into, and the friends who became family along the way. To the end, he was known for his kindness and generosity.
A memorial service will be held on May 23, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Martin's generosity, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of one's choice.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2021
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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So sorry to hear of Martin's passing. He had a long and full filling life. I always enjoyed my talks with him. Also, very grateful for his woodwork around the Church especially the library shelves as I looked after the library. Also happy that he was willing to share the wool he had with me and with the knitting club. Please accept my sincerest condolences to all his family. - Posted by: Ginny Braid (Friend from Churchill Park UC) on: May 28, 2021
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I remember Martin and your mother as very patient, helpfull people. They put up with many smart alec antics of teens in their store in High Bluff. The jukebox was usually playing in the evening. I don't think he or your mom knew how much they were appreciated. Martin also gave me a ride to Winnipeg once, when I needed to get to school. He was working in the city at that time. Peace and prayers to you, Ken, Ralph, Patty, and family. - Posted by: Margaret Ann Jackson nee Stewart (old High Bluff aquaintance) on: May 24, 2021
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Sorry for your loss Patti and family. He lived a long prosperous and fun life. - Posted by: Brenda Erb (Friend) on: May 23, 2021
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May each tear that falls be a gentle reminder of the hero Martin was. All that he was and all that he did meant so much to all of us, and all of Canada. No loss or sorrow, time or distance can ever take that away. With Deepest Sympathy RIP Martin - Posted by: The Hydro-X Group (Friends) on: May 23, 2021
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I met Martin at Churchill Park United. He was always smiling. A Grandfather figure for me to look up too. I also work at Safeway and enjoyed seeing and talking to him there. I always offered assistance but he was able to do everything himself. My husband and I went out to supper with him once where he told us stories of his time in the war. His wood crafts were amazing. He made me custom plate racks and I have a few smaller pieces that he made. He was a talented and kind gentleman. Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Laureen Say (Friend) on: May 22, 2021