CHARLES MARTIN

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CHARLES MARTIN A joyful reunion of lifelong soulmates occurred on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 as the passing of Charles Martin enabled him to join his deceased wife, Shirley (1994) in a new journey. Born in Winnipeg on March 13, 1924, Charles had recently celebrated his 80th birthday with family in Winnipeg following his return in early March 2004 from his winter home in Florida. Left to cherish his memory, celebrate his life and admire his legacy are his daughter Nancy, and her son Michael Robertson of Toronto; son Richard, daughter-in-law Deborah, and their children, Kyle, Calum, Alexandra Jane, and Laura Elizabeth, of Winnipeg. He will be missed by his extended family, sisters-in-law, Margaret Longhurst of Portland, OR, Gwen Anderson (Garet) of Vancouver, and brother-in-law Gordon Hogg (June), of Victoria, BC and all of their children and grandchildren. Poppa will also be missed by Debs family, Donald and Pamela MacIver, D.C. MacIver, John MacIver, Connie and Mark Ranson and their children, Jack and Daniel. Charles is also survived by sisters, Ruth and Helen, and brother Ari Lewis, all in Ontario. Charles completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education at the University of Manitoba. He taught school in Pilot Mound, St. Vital and the Winnipeg School Division. In the Winnipeg School Division, he started at Riverview, then was a founding member of the staff at Churchill High School in 1955, where he taught, mathematics and sciences before moving into counselling and administration. He was the Vice Principal at Churchill before assuming the Principalship of General Wolfe School in 1969. Charles was the educational leader at General Wolfe for 14 years until his retirement in December, 1983. He oversaw the design and construction of the "new" General Wolfe in the mid 1970s, where he implemented innovative concepts in middle school education, including interdisciplinary teams and advisor groups. "Charlie" held the admiration and respect of staff and students alike, as his genuine love for children and respect for the professionalism of his staff enabled General Wolfe to flourish as a flagship school in the Winnipeg School Division. Always supported by his loving wife Shirley, family was of the utmost importance to Charles. Summers were spent at the cottage in Husavik, or travelling east or west to the call of "roll the wagons" in one of his three trailers from 1966 to 1973. Nancy and Rick have fond memories of their long summer trips, especially those to Oregon. After retirement trips to Hawaii and Europe, Chuck and Shirl decided to winter in North Port Florida, where they resided for six months a year until Shirleys death in 1994. They were active in the North Port community, and both sang in the choir at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church. Charles continued to travel to Florida through his last year, always cherishing his familys visits and his friendships with his Florida neighbours. Charles had a special place in his heart for his five grandchildren, all of whom remember him as a kind, generous and patient man with high moral standards. He was kept vibrant in recent years through their much cherished love, laughter, hugs and company. He was an inspirational educator and a principled man who always endeavoured to "do the right thing". His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren who strive to emulate the standards and goals that he inspired through his lifes work and play. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at Thomson Funeral Chapel at 669 Broadway at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27. Interment will occur on Monday, November 29, at the St. Vital Cemetery. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Lipson and the staff at the Victoria General Hospital for their care and compassion. Thank you, Ahmed, for the support, comfort and peace that you provided throughout those final evenings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charles memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Inc., Unit 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2E8. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2004