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NICHOLAS (NICK) CHARLES MARTIN
Born: Aug 11, 1948
Date of Passing: Oct 15, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNICHOLAS (NICK) CHARLES MARTIN
Nick Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and lifelong journalist passed away on October 15, 2025, at age 77 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Born in Jarrow-on-Tyne in England, Nick moved to Canada with his parents Florence and Nicholas when he was four. He grew up in Georgetown, Ontario and attended Glendon College at York University where he began his career as a newspaper journalist writing for the student newspaper before moving on to report professionally for several outlets in southwestern Ontario, including the London Free Press.
Nick married his wife Lyn in Toronto in 1986. After the addition of their son Christopher in 1988, the family moved to Winnipeg and soon after welcomed daughter Gillian in 1991. Nick was a very committed and involved father who relished that role. Nick was a passionate writer. In Winnipeg Nick started what would become his decades-long career with the Winnipeg Free Press working various roles, including on the education, human rights and legislative beats, and winning provincial and national awards along the way.
Nick retired in 2018. He and Lyn soon moved to Victoria, British Columbia where they built a new community and Nick officially became Grampa Nick. In his later years Nick travelled and continued to write for the Free Press building a loyal following for his mystery book reviews.
Nick had a good life and he will be missed. He always had an open lap for his dogs. He was a voracious reader and huge fan of science fiction movies. He was passionate about sports, especially his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a marathon runner, soccer referee and proudly collected tens of thousands of steps on long walks. He loved kayaking and overlooking the quiet water from their cabin at Caddy Lake. He enjoyed a dark English beer and made a mean BBQ'd chicken. His friendships were deep and long lasting. He loved giving gifts and sending postcards.
Nick will be dearly missed by his wife Lyn; his children Chris (Karen) and Gill (Bradley); his grandchildren Charlie, Henry, and Daphne; his loving dog Curly; and his many other friends and family.
The family extends special appreciation to the staff of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for their care and devotion to Nick's health and comfort. In Nick's memory, please consider making a donation to the Parkinson Wellness Projects in Victoria, British Columbia.
A celebration of Nick's life will be planned in the coming months.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2025
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Lyn we were so very sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. Dean and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. The words that you have written in his obituary are just such a lovely tribute to him. - Posted by: Dean and Cindy Skidmore (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2025
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Dear Lyn, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved Nick. Don and I send your as deepest condolences to you and your family. With sympathy, Laurie Marcella and Don Bailey. - Posted by: Laur (friend) on: Nov 02, 2025
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More than 50 years ago, Nick took my course in Ontario history. Actually he took it twice in successive years because he wished to prove that he was capable of doing ‘A’ work, something he had failed to do the first time around. I never doubted that he was capable of it, being well aware of his column in Pro Tem, the Glendon College student newspaper. Who can forget Vietnam Squirrel and the Serpent of the Don? We stayed loosely in touch over the years, and I interviewed him for the York University history, which I wrote. When he and Lyn moved to Victoria I was pleased: it’s where I spent my teens, and I try to visit it annually. As a result I saw him and Lyn several times during the last few years. I was hoping to see him when I was there last week. Alas, it was not to be. My warm condolences to Lyn and the rest of the family. May Nick’s memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Michiel Horn (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2025
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Our condolences to Lyn, Chris and Gillian. Nick will always be remembered fondly for his college newspaper writing where he creatively injected his sports columns with Vietnam war commentary from the perspective of local squirrels. His annual newsletters continued to entertain us and keep us connected for decades. A real gentleman. A consummate professional. A man who knew how to be a husband, father, and friend. - Posted by: Andy Michalski (Glendon College alumnus) on: Nov 01, 2025
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I got to know Nick while he was the education reporter and I was senior executive with Winnipeg school division. He was a very good reporter and respected my role particularly regarding research evaluation and planning issues confronting the division. His reporting was always fair and thorough. It turned out we both coached soccer for River heights CC. And both were runners. Our professional relationship was never compromised by our friendship. Not surprising we both enjoyed science fiction. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Peace Doug Edmond - Posted by: Doug Edmond (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2025