Obituary of STANLEY MARTIN

STANLEY MARTIN

January 30, 1922 to May 1, 2021

Stan was born in his parent’s house on Manitoba Avenue in 1922. He lived almost his whole life in the north end, served in the war, married, raised a family, worked for 37 years, loved hunting and fishing, led community groups, danced and partied, made friends and helped others. He lived alone after Wanda, his wife of nearly 60 years, passed away in 2004 until he was no longer able then moved to Deer Lodge Centre in 2014.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep on May1.

Stan outlived his wife Wanda, parents, older brother Frank and sister Antoinette as well as most of the friends he grew up with. He lived a remarkable life through historic times and left a legacy in his children and their children: Stan and Susan of London; Ray and Virginia of Calgary; grandchildren Jason (Susan), Roxanne (Jason), Vincent, Rebecca; great-grandchildren Ellie, Joey, Ryder, Kenna, Cassidy; nephews/nieces Tom, Louise (Faiz), Rick, Teresa (John), Jim (Lisa) and Maryanne (Sean).

The lessons of growing up in the 1930s in the north end formed many of his values. He ate every bit of his meals and hated to throw anything away that could possibly be used at some time.  His favorite reasoning “you never know when you might need this” led to basement and garage full of odd lumber scraps, jars of screws and nails, clothing, tools, you name it.  He was a self-taught handyman able to build and fix almost anything.  With as little help as possible, he planned and built the family home at 817 Burrows.  He was renowned for building things to last and that will now pay off as the furniture, fences, renovations and out-houses at Gull Lake live on and on.

Soon after war was declared, Stan enlisted in the RCAF at age 17. After training, he was sent to England in 1941 and spent the war as an aircraft mechanic supporting the 409 squadron.  He returned in 1945, got a job with the Post Office and married Wanda Lasota, the love of his life. Together he and Wanda built a comfortable life on Burrows Avenue, focused on family, church and community activities with friends.

After suffering two heart attacks and a bout of cancer, he retired early from the Post Office in 1979 due to ill health and low expectations for the future. Fortunately, retirement agreed with him and his need to be busy focused on helping others.

He was a doer who could work by himself or with groups (as long as he got the last word). He was willing to help or lead where he felt he was needed. He was a devoted member of St John Cantius Church. He participated in the scouting movement as a youth and contributed to its growth by leading the 116^th Troop. He was one of the founders of the Canadian Polish Athletic Club and held executive office in the Fraternal Aid Society of St John Cantius. Both organizations awarded him honorary life memberships in recognition for his decades of contribution. He eventually became an active member of both organization’s senior clubs. He loved the outdoors. In his younger years it was family camping trips, fishing and hunting as well as Saturday golf. When CPAC purchased Gull Lake resort, he was one of the crew that repaired and rebuilt most of the facilities. As he aged, he grew to enjoy gardening and became expert at raising the tastiest heirloom tomatoes in his small but incredibly productive back yard plot.

When Stan junior and Ray moved away from Winnipeg, he kept in close touch despite the miles east and west that separated them. Stan and Wanda made countless road trips over the years to celebrate special occasions with their grandchildren and taking them fishing. For many winters, Stan and Wanda were fortunate to spend time away from the coldest Winnipeg months in warmer places such as Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica.

Stan was quick to see answers when others saw problems and would rather take action than debate. He had a positive attitude right to the end. He never wanted to be a burden and told callers and visitors he was “doing fine” right to the end. Stan was well supported by homecare while he lived alone and by the staff at Deer Lodge Centre. As much as COVID restrictions allowed, regular visits from his very special friend Marianne Swarek, Louise, Faiz and Tom were always the bright spots in his week. Merna Bowes added her energetic nursing skills to liven his days. The entire team of Caregivers at Deer Lodge went far beyond expectations to keep him comfortable. Heartfelt thanks to each of these very dedicated and talented people!

Once COVID restrictions are eased and we can safely gather, there will be a Funeral Mass and celebration of Stan’s life in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation would be appreciated.