September 12, 1965 – February 2, 2025

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Martin. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on February 2, 2025, at the age of 59, after a more than thirty year long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Martin was predeceased by his parents, Joseph in 2011, and Amalia in October 2024. He is survived by his daughter, Alex, her children, Leighton, Declan, and Sienna; his daughter, Kourtney; his sisters, Cindee (David) and Sonia; his nephew, Brady (Emily); and his niece, Lauren (Jackson).
Martin was born in Lethbridge, AB. He was a happy child who always had a big smile on his face. Fiercely stubborn from a young age, he kept life interesting for siblings and parents alike! The family moved to Claresholm in 1967 where they opened the first carwash and later added a gas station and a motel across the highway. Martin was the middle child, where he was sandwiched between sisters; an older one, Cindee, who tried to guide him; and the younger one, Sonia, who was his buddy and partner in crime. Much of his childhood was spent working in the family business, pumping gas. When he was older, conspiring with garage mechanic and good friend, Phil, to add parts to his vehicle that were not Dad approved and then racing the car around town. He developed knowledge and a love for cars that later made him the expert to talk to before purchasing a vehicle. He was also mechanically inclined and could fix or put anything back together.
Martin became known for his independent streak and willingness to challenge the rules. Ironically, in his twenties, he pursued an interest in law enforcement by earning a Diploma in Criminology from Mount Royal College. His varsity jacket, emblazoned with ‘Criminology,’ often served as a helpful prop when attempting to navigate his way out of speeding tickets in his dark blue Camaro Z28. As signs of his illness were present, Martin did not pursue a career in Criminology and decided to return to Claresholm where he worked at the Claresholm Care Centre for over 30 years. There he built strong relationships with colleagues and patients alike. He was well-known for sharing his thoughts and observations, and was not afraid to speak his mind. Every day saw a new saying go up on the bulletin board in his office. One of his favourite sayings, and always said with a chuckle was, “I wish I was as rich as I am good looking!”
In 2013 he was approved for a home-based care program through AHS, with his sister, Cindee and brother-in-law Dave assuming responsibility for administering the program along with the support of their children, Brady and Lauren. Despite the challenges of his disease, Martin and his family found ways for him to continue living at home. His house became the hub for family gatherings, he enjoyed daily visits from good friend Phil, and many pizza nights with good friends Doug and Wayne. His mother, Amalia, loved cooking meals for him and she was a strong source of support. They checked in with each other daily. Each morning, he enjoyed his coffee while scrolling through Facebook, sending memes and photos to friends and family. Martin was an avid music lover and his favourite tunes were always playing!
A hockey fanatic from a young age, Martin loved the Edmonton Oilers and admired their captain, Connor McDavid for both his skills and character. Martin and his good friend, Uncle Wayne, often watched games together and discussed them in great detail, earning the nicknames “Ron” & “Don”. One of Martin’s favourite traditions was the annual hockey pool. He carefully picked his team and eagerly watched the games and followed the pool results with his sister, Sonia, and other members of the hockey pool.
Martin loved being a grandpa and enjoyed phone chats and visits with his daughter, Alex, and the grandchildren. He developed a special bond with his granddaughter, Leighton, and smiled at the antics of the twins, recognizing the glint in Declan’s eye and the little boss that Sienna was becoming. In his last days, he was looking for fun things to buy them for their next visit from Kelowna.
Multiple Sclerosis impacted every aspect of Martin’s life and everyone in his orbit, from family to coworkers to friends. He was extremely fortunate to have compassion and support from everyone whose life he touched. The family extends their appreciation to the care providers Martin had in his life – Jenn Cliff, his massage therapist, Hope Cotter, his osteopath, his niece, Lauren who was his personal at home hairstylist, the caregivers all along and those who were with us at the end – Tammy, who grew up with Martin and was by his side for nine years, and Shawna, Kendall, and Denise, who all went above and beyond.
We would like to thank his medical team, Dr. Bahn Al Yousif and Dr. Peter Yonemori, as well as past staff- Dr. George Gish and Dr. Jan Joubert. We would also like to acknowledge the AHS Self-Managed Care Program which allowed Martin to remain in his own home; as well as the staff at Claresholm General Hospital for their compassion and kindness.
Over the years, Martin adapted to his circumstances with strength and resilience; he always found reasons to smile, joke, tease, and laugh, even on the toughest days. He developed a deep bond with his caregivers and life was good. His independent streak and his stubbornness ended up serving him well as he found new ways to do things and did not accept the status quo. He rode a Segway to get around as long as he could. He bought the car he wanted instead of a van, and named it the Blue Dream, using a Multi-Lift to get in and out. He showed us the importance of choosing your own path and believing in yourself no matter what! He always remained positive and never wavered in his hope or in his commitment to finding a cure for MS. His life was an example of the saying – life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well. We will all miss that beautiful smile and that infectious laugh!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Claresholm & District Health Foundation (Palliative Care).
There will be no service at this time.