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MARTIN WILLEM TEERHUIS
Born: Jan 17, 1949
Date of Passing: Jul 08, 2022
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MARTIN WILLEM TEERHUIS
Surrounded by his family, Martin Willem Teerhuis passed away peacefully on Friday, July 8, 2022.
With much love and affection, he is remembered by his wife Kathy, of 31 years; his children: Shannon and her husband Enzo; David; Josh; Sarah and her husband Chris; Aren and his wife Megan, and his grandchildren: Luca, Livia, Georges, and Amelia.
Born in Amsterdam on January 17, 1949, Martin immigrated with his family to Canada in 1952, where they settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended the Manitoba Institute of Technology in the late 1960s, studying engineering, and worked various jobs in that field before opening Bird's Hill Service in 1986 and Oakbank Service Centre in 1989. Affectionately known as Dr. Dodge amongst retro-car enthusiasts for his extensive knowledge on all things Mopar, he was a fixture in the Winnipeg classic-car community. Though he often claimed he was not creatively inclined he was a true artist when it came to classic cars, and poured all of his passion into every project he undertook. "You gotta have passion!" as he would often say. After many years of hard work Martin and Kathy retired to Kelowna, BC where they spent seven happy years before his passing. Together they enjoyed the Okanagan lifestyle - boating, wine-tasting, and all the natural beauty the surrounding area had to offer.
Martin loved to spend summers at the lake, and had fond memories of time spent with family and friends at Big Whiteshell, West Hawk, Royal Lake, and Lee River. He spent countless hours hanging out on the dock, swimming with his family, and taking them tubing and waterskiing, and he taught dozens of people to ski. He loved to sit around the campfire in the evening and solve the world's problems, and enjoyed "legendary" (ie: burnt to a crisp) marshmallows over the fire.
Martin could fix or build anything, and loved a good project. He would always cogitate on a project to make sure he was doing the best job possible - he was never one to cut corners, and his work, like himself, was always exceptional. Those who knew him will remember the thoughtful individual behind the gruff exterior, his wealth of knowledge on almost any practical subject, his commanding voice, and his charming smile. He was an excellent father and grandfather, and "Pops" will live on through endless stories and the many "dad-isms" he coined through the years. He was the definition of cool, and left an impression on every life he touched. He was truly a one-of-a-kind man.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2022
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I hadn't seen Martin in years but was truly saddened and immediately teared up upon reading of his passing. He was such a wonderful guy and it's impossible to think of him without smiling. He was one of my favourite clients at work (taxes and bookkeeping) and he was also our trusted mechanic. Whenever I went to pay my bill he would say "This much for me, and this much for the government", ha ha. He was a little bit of a rebel, and definitely "the definition of cool". He and I always enjoyed talking about cars, even though he didn't usually agree with my purchases, lol. I often told him that he could have gone into radio with that voice! His love for life and his family was always evident and I'm so glad that he got to enjoy some retirement years in Kelowna. I can't imagine what life has been like this last year without him. With condolences, but also much appreciation, and many, many happy memories for all of us. - Posted by: Sue Turner (Friend) on: Aug 01, 2023
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Jess and I still reminisce about all the times we were included in extended Teerhuis family gatherings as well as our week spent in Kelowna with Martin, Kathy, Megan and Aren in 2016. Hiking trips, afternoons on the lake and happy hour on the deck immediately come to my mind but I especially loved playing round after round of "what year is that car" with Martin anytime a classic car would go past us (often accompanied with playful shouts of "aw Go to Hell, Brown!"). I loved chatting about music, cars or really anything with Martin when we'd see each other over the years. Even just being around him at family gatherings was great as I got the chance to see the clear bond that he had with his family as well as being able to see more sides to his personality as I got to know him better. My sincere condolences for your loss. - Posted by: Scott Brown (Favorite Guitar Player ) on: Jul 20, 2022
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I am truly heartbroken by the loss of Martin. I offer my deepest condolences to the entire family. I considered Martin to be a bonus dad that I got the pleasure to have in my life. Both Martin and Kathy were bonus parents to me. I have fond memories from when Scott and I travelled with Aren and Megan to spend a week in Kelowna. Martin and Kathy welcomed us into their home and took us all over Kelowna, sharing some of their favourite spots. I remember always having happy hour when we returned to the house after our adventures. Even if that days adventure was touring a vineyard, we never missed happy hour on the deck. Even now, 8 years later, we still repeat jokes from that trip and look back fondly. I am thankful that I got to see Martin this past March during Aren’s Chamber Players performance in Brandon. It was always a pleasure to spend time with Martin and Kathy, catching up and talking about what was coming next. Whenever I saw Martin, he would always give me an awkward dad hug, it was always a treat to get to spend time with him. Martin will be greatly missed by all who knew him, he was a lovely person and I am grateful for the time I got to spend with him. - Posted by: Jessica Brown (Family Friend) on: Jul 20, 2022
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So sorry for your loss Kathy. I'll always remember the good times talks and times shared at the dock. Will keep you and family in my prayers, love Julie. - Posted by: Julie Senez (Friend from Royal lake ) on: Jul 17, 2022
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Sincere condolences to the entire family. Friends with Mart for many years and he was truly an amazing guy. R.I.P. BUD. - Posted by: Grant Born (friend) on: Jul 17, 2022
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I humbly offer my condolences and sense if loss to Martin’s whole family. I know the pain of loss. Martin and I spent a lot of time riding our bikes all over North Kildonan while attending Maple Leaf Elementary. We had A LOT of fun in that neighborhood. It was these adventures that taught me Martin loved adventure, was competitive and loved fixing things. He and Billy had a great little tree fort they made in their bushy back property on Rothesay I think it was. I first related to Martin because both our dads worked as milkmen. In high school it became apparent Martin was headed for a mechanical career, he was always fixing his or someone else’s bike and later cars. He would test out the bikes by riding them no-hands on the gravel road. God knows how he tested the cars he’d fix. Life took us on different paths and miles apart but every time I think of my childhood, Martin has an honored place in it . May your memories of him bring you lots of smiles and gratitude and always remember love hurts. But it's worth it! - Posted by: Reid Galbraith (Boyhood friend) on: Jul 17, 2022
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I am speechless and saddened beyond belief. Marty truly was one of a kind, and one of the nicest people in the world. I always looked up to him, especially the love him and Kathy had for each other. I have many memories of him but some of my favourite ones were when we watched the kids and he always insisted on driving us home so we were always safe. He had the kindest heart! He really looked out for us as if we were his own. I was saddened to heart about their move to Kelowna but they deserved it! Marty and Kathy both worked so so hard. We’re building a cabin off of Lee River now too so I’ll be thinking of him often when my family and I go for our own boat rides 💙 I want to send my deepest condolences to Kathy and the kids. I’m so very very sorry for your loss. Never let go of all those memories. He was exceptional! You should all be so proud… - Posted by: Kerri Provencal (McBeth) (Family friend ) on: Jul 16, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Martin's passing. We met Martin through the Mopar car club and he was always willing to help out with his knowledge or offer up spare parts for anyone who needed it. We were looking forward to head out BC way to go racing and Martin said to make sure we stopped in for a visit while out there. Our condolences to "Kath" as Martin affectionately referred to her and his children. He will be greatly missed by all his friends. - Posted by: Rick and Irene Lumsden (Friends) on: Jul 16, 2022
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Our heartfelt condolences to Kathy and all the family. We spent many wonderful days at Big Whiteshell lake with Martin and the kids. He was a very lovely man. - Posted by: Debbie Newbiggin and Bernie Borcheld (Friend ) on: Jul 16, 2022
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Waves of sadness for Martin’s family followed on learning of his passing. Please accept my sincere condolences as you process the loss of your partner; your father; your ‘Pops’; your sibling and your friend. May you find comfort in the many, many happy memories of your time with Martin. Debbie Teerhuis - Posted by: Debbie Teerhuis (Former sister-in-law ) on: Jul 16, 2022
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We are so very sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. We know what a loving family he had and know you will all be there to support each other through this most difficult time. He was the definition of cool, a real James Dean type I always thought. We have many fond memories of our time together with you at Royal Lake and our time in Kelowna with you. We also appreciate Martin taking a chance on our son through the high school apprenticeship program. He learned so much at the Oakbank Auto. His marriage to Kathy was the stuff love stories are made of. He was a charmer for sure. We will miss him. Hugs to you all Shannon, David, Josh, Sarah and Aren and to all of your families and kids. Kathy, you are in our thoughts and we are thinking of you during this most difficult time. 💕💙 - Posted by: Brad and Sandy Joseph (Friend ) on: Jul 16, 2022