MICHAEL MARTINELLI

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MICHAEL MARTINELLI

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear Father, Michael Martinelli. On June 23, 2022, with his two daughters at his bedside, Dad went peacefully into the arms of God. He is no longer in pain and will be greatly missed.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth, and his daughter Eileen Martinelli. He is survived by his daughters, Carla (Rob) Irvine and Paula (Mike) Tanasychuk. The love he had for his grandchildren was profound and he left them with so many beautiful memories. Grandchildren left to mourn are Essence Martinelli, Michael Painchaud (Tamara) and Christopher Painchaud.
Dad's love for his family was immense. He would do anything for us and we had a gigantic amount of love for him. We were Blessed to have him for so long. Dad served in the R.A.F. and held the distinctive honour of being the youngest man to be awarded his pilots wings. He went on to join the R.C.A.F. and his career with them was extensive. He served as a pilot, flight instructor and air traffic controller. He retired as a Captain after serving for 25 years. We were so proud of his service to his country. We always brag about him having flown the T-33 that is now on display in Woodhaven Park off Portage Avenue. Dad had more careers after leaving the military, but he eventually retired with Mum, enjoying many years travelling to Florida to avoid our cold winter months.
Dad's kindness was exhibited through his volunteering with various agencies. He spent many years as a counsellor on the Suicide Prevention line for the Salvation Army. He also delighted many people by playing the organ or piano in church as well as many weddings and funerals. If Dad saw a piano it was difficult for him to walk past it. This included when he walked past Mozart's piano in a museum in Salzburg, Austria. He sat down and started playing, needless to say that was not allowed and he was quickly shooed off! His gift of piano playing will be carried on through the hundreds of students that were lucky enough to be taught by him. He always said "God gives a special gift to everyone and it must be shared with others." He certainly did that. Dad also spent many hours volunteering at the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter in various capacities. He could talk for hours about the mission of the Shelter and he was so proud to be associated with them. His love for all animals was abundant, and he had a special place in his heart for "his" two chihuahuas, Chica and JoJo. They will miss him too.
A special thank you to Dr. A. Schroeder, Dr. T. McCarthy and Leslie, Dr. A. Lloyd and the staff of Kidney Health Clinic in St. Boniface Hospital, Dr. A. Dubey and Dr. R. Hamedani. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff of Grace Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre. Your care and compassion made a difference to our Dad's life.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please send to Dad's favourite charity, The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 3062 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1 or visit www.petrescueshelter.com (204) 832-9880.
A private family mass will be held at Chapel Lawn with Father Eric Giddins of St. Paul the Apostle church presiding. Dad's favourite psalm from the Bible was:

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2022