Martin Philip Grinstead

Martin Philip Grinstead of Rainy River, Ontario and formerly of Thunder Bay passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2005 at the Rainy River Hospital in Rainy River, Ontario. Martin was born on March 6, 1921, in Hamilton Ontario to Mabel (Pocock) and Philip Grinstead.He was a Veteran of World War II and served in the Navy in Halifax and the Battle of the Atlantic on H.M.C.S. Stettler as a Petty Officer. .Martin married Jean Srigley in Thunder Bay on December 21, 1946.They had 3 children, Norma-Jean, Maurice and Alberta Louise.He served his Lord as a member of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church both as Sunday School Superintendent and as a member of the choir.Martin worked for Fitzimmons Fruit Co. for many years reaching the position of General Manager. During this time he earned his R.I.A. degree. Martin worked for Canada Post from 1970 until his retirement in 1986.Martin's second marriage to Shirleyann Lisenchuk took place in Thunder Bay in 1975 and he welcomed Bambi-Lynn and Cindy into his family. Shirley predeceased him in 1995.Martin was a dedicated member of Knox United Church, Shuniah Street, serving as secretary and singing in the choir. Martin began performing as a magician while still a student in High School. He used his wit and humour to entertain the troops during WWII. He continued to entertain in Thunder Bay for many Christmas parties and was a founding member of Thunder Bay Magic Circle Ring #304 and a Member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M. ) Martin sang all his life, starting as a boy soprano in his home Church choir in Hamilton. He sang with the Lakehead Choral Group (Jim Jewitt Singers) and with the Thunder Bay Barbershop Chorus (S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. ) Martin moved to Rainy River in 1999 and joined Knox United Church Rainy River. He enjoyed his friends at the Rainy River Seniors Depot. He especially appreciated the congregations who came to worship and sing at the Rainy River Hospital Long Term Care Unit. The family would like to thank the Doctors, staff and volunteers of Rainy River Hospital for their care and support.Martin was a dearly loved father and husband and was devoted to his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who encountered his humour and strength of spirit. Martin is survived by Jean Heard, Rainy River, On. Brother, Bernard Grinstead, Langley, B.C. Daughters:Norma-Jean Johnston (Irwin) Rainy River Louise Grinstead , Halifax, N.S.Bambi-Lynn St. Jean, Thunder Bay, On. Cindy Simpson (Ken), Cochrane, AlbertaSon: Maurice Grinstead (Susan), Thunder Bay, Ontario Grandchildren: Ken, Michelle, Peter, Rebecca, Marty, Jennifer, Amanda, Ibrahim, Abucar, Burhan, Holly, Robyn, Brittany, Rae-Ann, Toni,Great Grandchildren: Alexi, Chloe, Wilf, Myles, Eric, Thea Goddaughter: Barbara Vedan, BC. He was predeceased by his parents, his second wife, Shirleyann, and by his Son-in-law, Mohamed Hagi Abucar.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Rainy River, Ontario with Reverend David Silliman and Pastor Darlene Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice, c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8"