Obituary of Ernest Martin

Mr. Ernest Lewis Worthy Martin of Yorkton passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Yorkton and District Nursing Home. Our Dad's life began on July 15, 1914 at Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. He graced this earth for 92 plus years. His childhood years were spent in the Crescent Lake area where he attended Happy Home and Good Hope Schools. School was not his favorite place to be and early on he decided his dad needed him fulltime on the farm. In the summer of 1942 he met and became the husband of a very sweet lady, Kathrine Weber. They were married September 6, 1942 at Waldron, Saskatchewan and together for 58 years created a life, which made him a loving Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He was a friend to many, and was always there with a willing hand, if and whenever, anyone needed a brilliant mechanical mind. Kathrine and Ernest farmed in the Waldron area until the spring of 1950 at which time they moved to the Yorkton area to farm, a move they both felt would benefit their children in more ways than one. He was predeceased by his beloved wife on June 9, 2001. He was also predeceased by his brothers, Alex in 1973 and Fred in 1997. He is survived by his children: Marge (Matt Montain and their family: Barb, Patti- Jo (Chris Donovan, Maranda and Kaylie), Vi (Ernie Friesen and their family Cheryl (Ron Haverick, Lauren) and Brenda, Linda (Larry Grosky and their family: Wade (Nicole) and Leanne, Sharon (Barry Bodnaryk and their family: Racquel, Jan - Michelle (Denis Gallant, Taylor, Caleb, Alivia), Judy (Wade Pfeifer and their family: Jeremy Knodel (Coralee, Jordan, Brooklyn, Courtney), Jennifer, Kyle, Jade, Jamie), Ralph (Elaine and their family Charity and Jason), Gloria "Sam" (Brian Chupa and their family: Roidyn and Brynn). He is also survived by his nephew Ken Martin of High River, Alberta and his niece Mabel Mess of Ottawa, Ontario. Dad and Mom worked very hard on the farm all their life to make sure their children were provided with a better life and education. Dad also worked at several places in the city to try and make ends meet. He hauled coal in the winter, worked at John Deere, Coop Creamery and was an active school board member at York Lake School. Their ability to listen to us no matter what time of day or how troubled we were was simply amazing. With a hug, and our parents saying "It will be okay Honey" we were sent on our way. No matter how busy he was with his farm work, he always had a time to stop and play ball with us. Afternoons between 3 and 3:30 saw the tractor stop, tea made and the television turned on to watch "Edge Of Night". Dad's daughter - in - law, and each of the six sons - in - law held a special place in his heart. We know that Mom and Dad have a special place in their heart as well. It really didn't matter how many friends we dragged home they were more than welcome and just had to eat something! Saturday mornings were "grocery shopping" times and Dad usually managed to put a lot more in the grocery cart than what was on Mom's list. Dad's greatest joy was when grandchildren came to visit and he would get down on his hands and knees and chased them around the house, not caring how much they screamed and yelled, until Grandma decided that was all the noise she could handle! He enjoyed getting them hyper and sending them home for their parents to deal with, but they never left the house without a hug and a kiss on the forehead. And on more than one occasion the tears in his eyes let them know that no one would ever love them more. Dad's favourite outings were spur - of - the - moment trips to Katepwa for a family picnic, fishing, playing ball as well as playing tricks on his family, such as scaring the kids in the dark, and playing April fools jokes on them. His pet peeve was "flies". He never went far in the house without a flyswatter, he also had one in his truck just in case! We were blessed to have Dad as long as we did. We will miss his sparkling blue eyes, his dimple chin and his infectious smile and we will hold him in our hearts forever. We love you Dad! The funeral service was held on Saturday afternoon, February 17, 2007 from St. Anderew's United Church Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Faye Greer officiating. Alex Allary a longtime friend of Ernests played "Amazing Grace" on his Violin as the family entered the Sanctuary. Shani Apland was the organist leading the choir and congregation in the Hymns: "Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace", "On Eagles Wings" and accompanied soloist Sharon Bodnaryk in the Hymn: "How Great Thou Art". The Scripture reader was Brynn Chupa; the reflections of Ernest's life were given by Barb Montain and the special Poems were read by: Sam Chupa, Jade and Jamie Pfeifer. The song "I Can Only Imagine" by Jeff Carson was played after the poems were read with the song "With My Last Breath" byOlaf Pyttlick as the recessional. The Honourary Bearers were named as grandchildren with Wade Grosky, Jason Martin, Jeremy Knodel, Roidyn Chupa, Kyle Pfeifer and Brenda Friesen as ushers. The interment took place at the Yorkton City Cemetery with: Matt Montain, Bernie Friesen, Larry Grosky, Wade Pfeifer, Brian Chupa, Ralph Martin and Barry Bodnaryk serving as Casket Bearers services directed by Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton When I was Your Child When I was your child, you held me in you arms, not to let anything or anyone harm me in any way. When I was your child, you played with me even though you had work to do. You taught me right from wrong even how not to be afraid of the dark. When I was your child, you taught me never to hate, never to lie, always find good in everything and everyone When I was your child, I said goodbye when I married and had children of my own. You taught me how to love my children and the way you loved me. When I was your child, I watched you get sick, and slowly you slipped from me. When I was your child, I saw how God took care of you when he called Mom Home. Somehow in your own way you still took care of me in our saddest moment. When I was your child, I came to visit you, talked to you, hugged and kissed you even Though you sometimes didn't know who I was. I watched you helplessly, wanting to Turn back time only to have you back with me again. With your beautiful smile and your warm blue eyes you told me how much you loved Me even though you could not say it. Today I am your child, here to say goodbye and to say how very much I love you, how much I will miss you and cherish every moment in my heart Take care of yourself and Mom Until the day we meet again Love Always Judy Service Information Saturday, February 17th, 2007 2:00pm, St. Andrew's United Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery