WERNER WALTER MARTIN

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WERNER WALTER MARTIN On Sunday, January 9, 2005, Werner Walter Martin died suddenly in Winnipeg. He was 82 years old. He experienced a full and active life, rich in rewards and enjoyments. Werner leaves behind Ilse, his wife of 59 years; and their children, Nicole (widow of Irvin Goldman), Peter, Isabel Wolinsky (David) and Chris (Nancy); as well as grandchildren, Aaron, Suzanne, Lauren, Ben, Adam, Max, Ali and Nic. Werner was born in Germany in 1922. Leadership, responsibility and self-discipline were qualities quickly learned as a 21 year old commander of a mine sweeper in the North Atlantic during the war. The frailty of life during this cruel time left an enduring mark. While accepting the arbitrary nature of life, Werner lived with a passion for learning and adventure. Friendships with Allied navel officers exposed him to the bounty of Canada, and at 32 he immigrated to start a new life. He began by washing cars in Montreal, later he found work as a miner's helper in Murdochville, QC and eventually became a mine manager. Within a year, he was able to have his wife and two children, Nicole and Peter, join him in Canada. Shortly thereafter, Isabel and Chris were born. Although times were difficult then, many lasting friendships were forged there. Werner's concern for the education of his children, and his desire to provide them greater opportunities, led him to move his family to Winnipeg in 1963, where he took a position as the Plant Superintendent of Motor Coach Industries. Through determination and hard work, he rose to become the company's Chief Executive Officer in charge of all of MCI's activities, and its 1800 employees. He was also a Director of MCI and several other companies in the Greyhound organization. Seeking a more a leisurely life, Werner retired in 1987. He took great pleasure in attending to his family, his hobbies and spending time with his grandchildren - an unending source of enjoyment and pride for him. Our father had a thirst for knowledge throughout his life. He was fascinated with the beauty of nature, the arts, history and developments in science. He was an excellent artist, craftsman and woodworker who could make beautiful furniture and canoes as easily as restoring his son's cars. He was an outstanding photographer, not only taking beautiful pictures but also developing them. He had a thorough knowledge of computers, and enjoyed the opportunity they gave him to communicate with people the world over. He was always curious, reading and exploring new areas. There was rarely a dull moment in his company. We will greatly miss our husband, father and grandfather; miss his robust nature, his optimism and the love and care he had for us. He was the inspiration of our family. We mourn his passing. In keeping with his wishes a private family service and cremation has taken place. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivray Blvd - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2005