CHARLES MARTIN

CHARLES MARTIN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Charles Martin on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.

Charlie, as he was known, was born in Kenora Ontario on Sept 19, 1927. He was one of 6 siblings. He moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba at a young age and began his working career with the T. H. Estabrooks Company, maker of Red Rose tea and Blue Ribbon coffee and later, Brooke Bond Canada Limited.

Winnipeg was where he met our mother June and they were married on June 30, 1950. Shortly after, they moved to Fort William, Ontario, where together they raised 3 boys.

Dad was a traveling salesman. His district covered all parts of NW Ontario and the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). He enjoyed his job as a salesman immensely, and received the Brooke Bond - Unilever National Sales Award as Top Salesman in Canada in a year.

During his life in Thunder Bay, Dad was active in the Associated Canadian Travelers (ACT/UCT), where he rose to become President of the Club and later a Club Senator. It was through this club affiliation that Dad partnered with his friends to become a founding member of the Annual Thunder Bay Food Golf Tournament, which ran for almost 20 years. During the winter months, he would enjoy curling and socializing with his many friends.

He was an avid fisherman in his early years, teaching all 3 sons how to fish and drive a boat. This passion for fishing continued well into his life and he looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his son Gordon and his friends.

In the late 1950's, Mom and Dad purchased a lot at West Loon Lake and built a cabin (Martin's Madness), where the family could be found each summer. Many fond memories were made with Dad during these years at camp. It was here that he truly relaxed and enjoyed life with his family. Camp life was always busy and Dad never shirked away from hard work, and was always willing to lend a hand to someone who needed it. This trait was something that he instilled in each of his sons.

He enjoyed time with his family and was always eager to arrive at a party where he would socialize with everyone - young and old. In the summer he particularly liked the outdoor get-togethers where he could be found enjoying a cold beer on a hot day. He had a smile that would light up the crowd, and was quick to add humour to any situation if he believed it was needed. He enjoyed the company of his sons and never failed to tell them how proud he was of them. He held a special spot in his heart for his three grandchildren who knew him as Grandpa. In his later years, he was affectionately called GiGi by his great grandson, who Dad enjoyed joking with and teasing whenever he could.

Dad lived independently until the end, something that he was quite proud of. He was an avid reader often finishing several books in a week. In his later years his favorite pastimes were watching curling and reading. He continued to follow and watch curling right up to his final days.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, his siblings and his wife of 64 years. He is survived by his 3 sons; Craig, Gordon (Nancy) and Bradley (Joanne); grandsons Jason (Kelly) and Scott (Jennifer); granddaughter Lindsey (Jesse) and great grandson Jacob.

We would like to express our thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at both Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Hospital for the great care given to Dad during his final days.

As per Dad's wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens. If so desired, donations can be made to the Charity of Your Choice.

On line condolences may be offered at: www.jenkens-funeral.ca