Obituary of Allen D. Martin

Having finished his work here on earth, Allen was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, January 9, 2019. At the age of 75 he had fulfilled his role as a mentor, teacher and helper. Born on February 13, 1943 he pursued his dream of being an educator, a position which he held for 33 years in Waterloo Region, with most of his career at Linwood Public School. Allen served as a volunteer firefighter with the Floradale Fire Department for over 27 years. Having a deep love for music, Allen led church choirs, taught music, and sang in several gospel music groups. His other interests included photography, woodworking, fishing, as well as church and community involvement. Allen brought a smile and a laugh to everyone he knew and anyone he came in contact with. He lived life to the fullest every day.

When a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease at age 50 forever changed his course, Allen found a great joy in writing a column, “My Side of the Dam”, for the Woolwich Observer. He also appreciated going with Pauline on many bus trips during his early retirement years. While Parkinson’s progressively and irrevocably changed his life, Allen took these changes and disappointments in stride, showing acceptance, gratitude, and grace.

Allen will be lovingly missed by his dear wife of 52 years, Pauline (Gingrich) Martin, whom he married on July 2, 1966. He will be forever remembered by his children, Sherri and James Martin-Carman, and Tammy and Calvin Shantz, all of Elmira. Allen will always be cherished by his grandchildren, Erika (Marty) Metzger, Amber Shantz and her friend Jacob Vos, Justin Frayne and Caleb Martin-Carman. Survived by his siblings Leo (Elsie), Menno (Laurel), Ernie (Carol), Raymond, Phares (Marlene), and sister-in-law Betty Martin. Also missed by the Gingrich family: Florence (Darrell) Jantzi, Cliff (Yvonne), Carol (Dalton) Jantzi, Bonnie, and Darlene (Eric) Frede. Allen is predeceased by his parents Henry and Magdalena (Diefenbacher) Martin, his siblings Marion (Gord) Longmire and Lloyd; Pauline’s parents Ivan and Matilda Gingrich, and her brothers Jim Gingrich and Larry Gingrich.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Road, Floradale, on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 7-9 p.m., and Friday, January 11, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will take place at 2 pm on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Floradale Mennonite Church. A private interment will take place in Floradale Mennonite Cemetery prior to the service.

We cannot express enough gratitude to all the staff at Barnswallow Place Care Community for the exemplary care and love shown to Allen and our family. The dignity and respect given was second to none. You are angels here on earth.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, or Community Care Concepts would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
 

Memorial Donations:

Rockway Mennonite Collegiate
110 Doon Road
Kitchener, ON  N2G 3C8

To donate online use the link below:
www.rockway.ca/support/donate-now

Community Care Concepts
929 Arthur Street South
Elmira, ON  N3B 2Z2

To donate online use the link below:
www.communitycareconcepts.ca/