Obituary of Ronald Keith Martin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Ron “Howard” on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. He died peacefully at Lisaard House with family at his side, at the age of 65. Ron joins family who have gone before him to his ultimate home in heaven.

Ron was the adored “Uncle Howard” to Jeremy and Kelly, Jay, Hailey and Hayden Trapp; Kolten Patton and his girlfriend Hannah Bettke; and long time friend Maureen McCoy.  He will also be profoundly missed by his biological family which includes many nieces and nephews. He was the much loved son of Menno (1999) and Mary Ann Martin (2009) and very dear brother of Len (2010) and Mary Ann; Miriam and Loren Stauffer; Arlene and Harvey Kehl; Arnie (2013); Jim and Shirley; Erla and Lloyd Koch; Larry (2013) and Lynette; Ken and Gloria; Marilyn and Paul Brubacher; and Darrell and Julie (Brown).

He really enjoyed being with his chosen family, including frequent trips to Alberta to be with the Trapp family, and special times at the trailer closer to home. Annual Martin siblings cottage weekends at Port Carling were a highlight that served to keep the family closely connected, particularly after the passing of his mom and dad.

Although Drayton was his home, Ron loved to spend time at his second home up at Brucedale: fishing on Lake Huron; caring for the many flowers; quiet times entertained by the multiple species of birds at his feeders, and by chipmunks and squirrels that attempted jumps around the “creative playground” Ron made for them; and of course, he valued his friends there who will miss him greatly.

Ron’s deep appreciation of the natural world reflected his acknowledgement of God the Creator and Sustainer of life. He lived his life out of a spirit of generosity and care for others.

Ron retired four years ago after a lengthy career as maintenance supervisor at Elmira Pet Products.

You are invited to meet the family at Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira, on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of his life service will be held at Elmira Mennonite Church, 58 Church St. West, Elmira, on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. All are invited for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the church hall after the service. Cremation has taken place.

In memory of Ron, donations may be made to Lisaard House, which was Waterloo Region’s first residential hospice, providing quality palliative care in a home-like setting for adults facing an end-of-life-diagnosis and dying of a life-limiting illness.

Thank you to the staff at Grand River Hospital, Palmerston Hospital, and staff and volunteers at Lisaard House for your loving support. Ron expressed special appreciation for the care given by Doctor Maurice.