Obituary of Robert Ernest Martin

The family of Robert Martin of Melville, beloved husband of the late Georgette Martin, sadly announce his passing on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Robert was 92 years of age.

There will be a service planned for summer to take place at The Pas, MB.

Memorials in memory of Robert may be made to St. Peter's Hospital, Box 1810, Melville, SK S0A 2P0 as gifts of remembrance.

Our beloved father, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather, Robert Ernest Martin found peace and comfort on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with his family by his side.

                Robert, the third eldest child of Frederick and Millicent Martin, was born on July 10, 1931 in The Pas, Manitoba. He grew up in The Pas, along with his three siblings, Fred, Darrell, and Cameron. Cousins, Beverly and Brenda Martin were also raised in the household and were near to his heart. While attending school in The Pas, Robert (Bob), also worked at The Pas bridge, rushing from class when the boat whistle blew to open the bridge so the boat could pass through and then returning to class once he had closed the bridge. Bob was very active in his community and served as choir boy at the United Church, played soccer with the Big Eddy soccer team, played hockey (goalie) with The Pas Huskies, curled and bowled with Georgette in the mixed leagues, was an avid badminton player and jogger, played fastball, slowpitch and shinny. He, like the rest of his family, was very musically talented. Bob played by ear; guitar, piano, organ, accordion, harmonica, jews harp, washboard, and the spoons. He was also a very good singer. He loved the old-time music and was a great dancer. In his younger years, he could twist the night away. Bob was involved for many years in the Lions Club in The Pas and Melville, while Georgette was involved with the Lionelles Club. They travelled to numerous conventions and met life-long friends through the Clubs. He loved the Trappers Festival and was a Keystone Cop for quite a few years. He usually entered and won the beard growing contest. One of our favourites was 1967, Centennial Year, where he won for the most unique beard – he had the centennial symbol carved into both sides of his beard. Robert played Santa Claus at the mall in The Pas for several years and was the best Santa ever!

                Bob met the love of his life, Georgette, while attending school. They married January 31, 1955, at the Guy Hall in The Pas. Bob and Georgette started their family; Greg, then Andrea, and later laid to rest their infant son, Gerald, soon after his birth. Together, they did everything for their family and demonstrated what a devoted family life should be. The family created wonderful memories snowmobiling, camping, and spending time at Clearwater Lake. Bob made sure he attended all sports his kids participated in, even when he was the only parent in the crowd.

Robert began his career with the Canadian National Railway at the age of 19. He soon moved up to Locomotive Engineer and served as President of the Local Union. He took a promotion in 1977 when they moved to Melville, Sk. Bob was honored to be in charge of the Royal Train and had quite the conversations with the Royal Family. Robert retired, Dec. 1987, at the age of 57 with 37 years of service. Bob and Georgette remained in Melville, and spent their winters in Donna, Texas, enjoying retirement. In 1990, they moved to Spiritwood Acres, where they both enjoyed golfing and making lifetime friendships and wonderful memories. Robert moved to Caleb Village, Melville after Georgette’s passing. There, he reconnected with their long-time friend, Elvira. They were excellent company for each other and spent 8 good years together at Caleb. Bob especially enjoyed playing in the band, “Winnie and The Boys” and dressing up in costume for the various gatherings.

                Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years: Georgette; infant son: Gerald; parents, Fred and Millie Martin; brothers: Fred, Darrell, and Cameron; parents-in-law, Lucien and Marthe Dube, sisters-in-law, Andrea, Lucienne, Elaine, and Mary, brother-in-law, Norman, and partner, Elvira.

                Robert is survived by his son, Greg (Sylvia) Martin; daughter, Andrea (Jasper) Robinson; grandchildren: Chris (Sara) Martin, Lindsay Martin, Whitney (Brett) Martin, Garrett Wiwcharuk, Jeremy (Marie) Robinson, Quentin Robinson, Terry (Jeff) Bryant; great grandchildren, Ava, Angel, Peyton, Drake, Sierra, Chloe, Theo; and great-great-grandchild, Madelyn. Robert is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jeannette (Phil) Jeffreys, Alice (George) Geswin, Claudette (Ed) Erdman, Elvie Dube, Iris Martin; brothers-in-law, Norbert Dube, Andy (Carol) Dube, Bernard (Linda) Dube, Ronald (Donna) Dube, Don West, as well as many other relatives and friends.

                Those who knew Bob well, appreciated his great sense of humor. He would be the life of the party and could tell the best of jokes. He lit up a room and gave people a reason to smile. Bob was generous and kind and was always the first to lend a hand, yet last to ask for help. He was a true gentleman and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was extremely proud of his children as they were of him; he was their hero and will live in their hearts forever.