Obituary of Shawn Martin

Martin, Shawn ~ Our family has the difficult task of announcing the death of our beloved Shawn Richard Martin, age 39. Shawn was the best friend and husband of Clare, and adored father of Liliana, Oliver and Caroline. Treasured son of Arlene Martin and James (Jim) Martin (Helen Crowther), and son in-law of Tony and Janina Laurence. Brother of Steven Martin (Tamara), and brother-in-law of Katherine Stewart (Colin) and Emily Sider (David). Loved uncle of Julia and Rachel Martin; Jennah, Kalin and Madalyn Stewart; and Mila and baby Sider. Shawn’s soul left this earth in the early hours of July 10, 2016 after a 2-year, hard fought battle against the unbiased, unrelenting, evil disease known as cancer. Shawn never gave up hope that when one treatment didn’t work, there would be something else to try to beat down this monster. But in the end, despite all efforts, death was not something we had control over. We were blessed to have dealt with the most wonderful medical professionals at three hospitals during this journey; in particular Grand River Hospital and Cancer Centre, his primary oncologist Dr. Bonnie McCarron, nurse Jeanette, all the nurses and supporting staff in the Chemo Suite, the 6th floor nurses, Dr. Leonard, and the nurses of the ICU. We are especially thankful to nurses Dianne and Heather who came into our home over the last two years, and supported us and Shawn as he took his last breaths. We are grateful for all those involved in Shawn’s care, who have chosen this field, and do their jobs with such professionalism and kindness. We cannot thank enough, the many friends, neighbours, and co-workers who have helped by providing friendship, support, childcare, food, rides and gifts that have helped ease our burden. There are far too many kind people in our lives to list, but special mention must be given to Shawn’s second family at the Elmira Fire Department, his fellow employees at the Township of Woolwich (especially “the guys” in public works), and the Christian Mothers group at St. Clements Parish. Funeral home visitation will be on Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A celebration of Shawn’s life will take place on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Road, Waterloo with reception to follow. Service will be officiated by Pastor Paul Dyck of Hawkesville Mennonite Church, and Shawn’s aunt Rev. Ardith Frey. There will be a private family burial. The Terry Fox Foundation (research), and Canadian Blood Services are two organizations that were important to Shawn, please consider a donation to one of them in his memory. Please don’t take precious time for granted; forgive, be happy now, make lasting memories, and take good care of each other every day. Service Summary Visitation: Thursday, July 14, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home ~ Funeral Service: Friday, July 15, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, 100 Benjamin Road, Waterloo with reception to follow ~ Private family burial ~ Donations: The Terry Fox Foundation (Suite 900, 1200 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, ON M3C 1H9, www.terryfox.org 1-888-836-9786) or Canadian Blood Services (1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J5, www.blood.ca 1-888-236-6283)