Obituary of Donald Martin

It is with the sorrow of loss, and joy for the memory of a life lived to the fullest that we announce the passing of Donald Frederick Martin of Elmira formerly of Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria B.C., as a result of a stroke on July 26th, 2011 in his 96th year. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched and inspired. He is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Verna Martin (nee Tompson) and by his daughter Robin, was the devoted father of Shannon, and her husband Michael Purves-Smith of Elmira, and grandfather of Mike and Rob. He will be sorely missed by his loving partner of the past eight years, Bernice Metzger, and by her family. At the time of his death he was a continuing world-traveller, a gourmet cook, a raconteur, and, as a musician, an active harmonica-playing member of the regularly touring Happy Harmonicas. Driving his own car until three weeks before he died, he retained all of his wonderful mental acumen until the moment of his passing. He lived in the present with great humour and showmanship and he always looked forward to the future with pleasure. Service Summary There will be a memorial for Don at The Gardens, 11 Dunke St. North, Elmira, Ontario on Thursday, August 11th starting at 6:30 pm. A celebration of his life will begin at 7:00 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Elmira Centre for Community Living would be appreciated by the family and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira