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Martin Adams Obituary

ADAMS, Martin G. Our beloved Marty passed away suddenly on December 18, 2019. Marty's lively witty banter and loyal friendship have touched so many people through his love of sports, energetic musical performances, travel adventures camping and cruising, and devotion to his family. Marty was born in London, England in 1947 and emigrated to Canada at the age of 5. Before settling in Victoria, the family travelled through the US and ended up living in Hollywood, LA, where he started school and became a lifelong fan of the LA Dodgers and LA Rams. In Victoria, Marty attended Oak Bay High School, continued his studies at UVic graduating with a Bachelor of Education, and began a teaching career that spanned 35 years in Sooke School District. As an educator, he was involved with PACE musicals and the director of many school choirs. Marty was as keen on sports as he was on music, and in extracurricular activities could be seen on the cricket field or running up and down the gyms of different high schools as a basketball referee. But he derived the most pleasure from playing the keyboard with various bands, and he especially loved Rock 'n Roll music of the '60s. From the age of 16 on he was active with bands and played in many halls around Victoria. His bands included Hidden Fifth and various bands in the '60s and the well-known rock 'n roll showband Doc & the Doo Wops. More recent bands included Third Avenue, Rukus, and most recently LateShift. Marty is survived by his loving wife Linda Adams (née Ferne), his sister Elodie Adams, and step-children Tracey Walters (Scott Bentley), Anne Plasterer (Peter Makkai), John Plasterer (Marisa), Mary Smith-Plasterer (Alex), grandchildren Sydnie, Brock, Sophie, Nathan, Matthew and Henry, step-mother Lois Adams, mother-in-law Joy Ferne, sister-in-law Sharon Sinclair (Robert), nephews David and Brian Waterman, and of course his beloved dogs Krissy and Shayla. Special thanks and gratitude to all the health care professionals who were there for Marty all these years. A celebration of life will be held sometime in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Dec. 22 to Dec. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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24 Entries

Ian Anderson

February 20, 2020

Ill never forget being in his class in 72 and him letting us watch the Canada Russia series in class. He was one of the best teachers I had in elementary school! Sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful giving man!

Sarah Braithwaite

February 20, 2020

So sorry to hear of Martys passing, my deepest condolences to his loved ones. I will fondly remember Marty for his coaching and mentoring at Belmont High School, his kindness and generosity of spirit, his music and his friendship. I am grateful to have known Marty and for the positive impact that he had on my life and the lives of those around him. He helped make high school a great place to be!

Laurie Tighe

January 3, 2020

It was with great sadness that I read of Marty's passing. He was such fun to work with and always gave every situation his best. I hope that knowing he was so well loved and respected will make these days easier for you.

December 30, 2019

Linda and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Marty's sudden passing. My condolences to you all during this time. He will me missed!

Sharon Wintonyk ( Oak Bay )

Rondie Stewart/Main

December 27, 2019

Mr. Adams was my very favorite teacher of all time. He was a very fun person to be around and lots of energy for music and sports. We were lucky to have had him over the years to support us, and always have time for everyone that his life touched. So sorry for your loss.

Stephanie McColm

December 26, 2019

From grade 3-8 (1976-1980) Mr Adams, as I knew him, was my choir teacher and my all-time favourite. He took us to Corvallis, Oregon and into the Okanagan on 2 separate trips. He taught me the value of hard work for the reward of travel. He fanned my love of singing into the neighbour annoying habit it now is. I've thought of him often over the years and was so pleased to run into him at my work a few years ago. He will always be missed and loved by many. My condolences to his family.

Steve and Pat Hansen

December 24, 2019

So many fond memories of time we spent with Marty and Linda. I shared the stage with Marty and the Rukus band and then the last year with LateShift. He made the experience fun yet professional. Those sounds will be with Pat and I forever. Rest In Peace Marty.

Lynne Beeson

December 23, 2019

Roger and I were SO sad to hear of Marty's passing! We have so many great memories of him (cooking a turkey on the bbq outside on a very cold snowy Christmas for one!). I always called him my favourite ex brother in law, as he was so much fun to be around. Loved his music too. So glad we kept in touch over the years. Linda, sending you and your family heartfelt sympathy. And to my niece, Tracy and family, love and hugs. We will really miss Marty!

Bill Cook

December 23, 2019

It's hard to imagine that Marty is gone. His talent and imagination helped others to try things they might never have experienced. I will always remember the laughs and pranks that made our time together a joy. Gone but not forgotten, I'll miss him dearly. Bill Cook

Joyce McMenamon

December 22, 2019

So sorry for your loss, Linda. Lots of love to you and the family.

December 22, 2019

Linda and family, My deepest condolences on the passing of Marty. The passing of a friend is an inestimable loss and creates a huge void that cannot be filled. IN PACE REQUIESCAT.

Robert Thompson

December 22, 2019

First, my sincere condolences to Linda and family.I am saddened to learm of "Marty"s passing but knowing that he is at peace and pain free is a comfort to all who knew him. I had the honour of teaching with Marty in the early 70's and well remember when we worked on a school song where we both taught. Marty was a superb teacher and dear friend whose music, both in Victoria and the school district, stood the test of time. Knowing Marty, made me a better person.

Al Duddridge

December 22, 2019

Sad to hear this news! Marty was a great friend & mentor when I started refereeing basketball (Marty hosted some memorable parties!!!), and remained a friend throughout. Always enjoyed bantering with Marty about baseball and other sports. Great musician, very happy my daughter got to work with Marty in PACE, where he is a legend! Condolences to the family.

Bob Meikle

December 22, 2019

A huge loss to the music community in Victoria. Always a pleasure to work with Marty. I will miss his talent, his personality and his friendship.

December 22, 2019

Dear Linda and family,
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.
Marty will forever be in our hearts. So many memories and fun tines!! So much goodness in one person.
Love
Sue Graham and George Birch

Sharon Savoie

December 22, 2019

So sorry for your loss. Always remember the fun times and great music in the PACE musical.

Erika Willoughby

December 22, 2019

Marty was my teacher at Metchosin Elementary, he helped me come out of my shell through music. As an adult we reconnected again through music, at his gigs and through Facebook. I am happy my kids got to meet him. My heart feels so broken. Many prayers and hugs to his family and numerous friends.Be gentle and kind to yourself,this is a huge loss and the ripple effect goes a long long way.

Kathy Cameron

December 22, 2019

So sad to hear of Marty's passing! My thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and family at this most difficult time. I can't help but smile as I remember the fun we had at Metchosin school! Definitely the best times! The music is playing a little louder and a little brighter in heaven now, play on Marty play on! ❤

Colleen and Dave Noren.

December 22, 2019

So sad to hear of Marty's passing. Our sincere condolences to Linda and his family. He was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration to anyone who loved music. We are all richer for knowing him.

December 22, 2019

Such a loving and understanding soul! My heartfelt condolences to you Linda and the family

Janice Hill

December 22, 2019

So sorry to hear of Marty's passing, he was our sports coach at Metchosin Ele, had great bands that we attended over the years, saw him a lot of PACE musicals and the odd visit to Hans Helgeson, when I worked there. He was always friendly and happy to see former students at all their events. You will be missed.

December 22, 2019

I feel so blessed to have had Marty as a friend and colleague. I have so many wonderful memories of all of our years together doing PACE shows - off and on for 30 years! Apart from all of the stress and fun and crazy times, I had such respect for him as a musical director and teacher. He mentored and empowered thousands of young performers and he cared. He really cared. A signature Marty was that he walked into every rehearsal sayingI was thinking about x and I have an idea that could make it work. Give me 5 minutes with him/her. And (PACE secret), he always had a mic in the pit so he could quietly sing along - to get a terrified or unsure performer started without anyone knowing. So Marty. He was the best. I will miss him tremendously.
...And, as the song goes... "If there's a rock and roll heaven - with Marty on keyboard - you know they've got a hell of a band. Linda - you are in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo

Jill Stowe

December 22, 2019

I am heartbroken to read this sad news. Marty was a great guy and wonderful musician. I met him when he and Johnny played with RuKus and there will always be lovely memories of those times. Johnny admired him very much. I am so sorry for your loss Linda.

Brian Duncan

December 22, 2019

So sad to hear of Marty's passing. Always enjoyed the times when he played with us over the years.

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