John Martin

1925 - 2009

John Martin June 19, 1925 - November 28, 2009 It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of John Martin. He passed away peacefully at home with his family around him; the gentle passing of a gentle man. He leaves to mourn his dearest friend and wife of 59 years, Mary; his sons Jim (Cheryl) and Dennis (Rae); his daughters Anita (Jerry) and Linda; his grandchildren Ryan (Tannis), Jeremy (Jody), Kelly (Kris), Lori (Shawn), Kelsey (Jen), Jeff, and Blaine; great grandchildren Caden, Peyton, Connor, Brooklyn, Paige, Quinn and Finlay; brothers Pat, Bernard, Maurice, Thomas; sisters Annie, Ellen, Sarah and Philomena; many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by brothers Charles, Joseph, Jimmie and Eugene and by sisters Theresa and Mary. John was born to Jimmie and Sarah in Maguiresbridge, Fermanagh, Ireland. His family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and settled on a homestead near the small community of Clandonald, Alberta. He remained on the farm until 1943 when he enlisted in the Canadian army. He served on active duty in Holland, Belgium and Germany. In May of 1946 he returned to civilian life and rejoined his family in Alberta. In 1947 he moved to the McBride area of BC to work in the logging industry. It was here that he met and married Mary Callaghan. In 1952 John and Mary and their son Jim moved to Prince George where John joined brothers Charlie, Joseph and Pat in Martin Bros. Sawmill. The mill was sold in 1964 and John and Pat formed Tabor Lake Logging which they operated together for more than 30 years. John was an active member of the community and was involved in many ventures over the years - the founding of North Central Plywood, the Vancouver Game Farm, Caledonia Inns, gold mining in Atlin and land development in the Prince George area. He was a great supporter of sports for youth and along with his brothers was inducted into the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame. John spent his retirement years traveling about the globe and enjoying the company of the family he loved and the many friends he had gained over the years in Prince George. We will miss his grace and good humour always. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Hospice House would be appreciated. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 7:00 pm and funeral services at 2:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 3rd at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 887 Patricia Blvd. Assman's Dignity Memorial Funeral Chapel is taking care of funeral arrangements.