Obituary for Elio (Al) Martin
After a long, healthy life, Elio (Al) passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the age of 89 with his family by his side.
Born in Fort William, May 6, 1933 to parents Alfredo and Antoinetta Martin. If Al wasn’t enough to handle there was his identical twin brother Dino to keep him company and create chaos wherever they went until Dino’s passing at the age of 82.
He married Eleanor Markevich, May 9, 1959, however, sadly he lost his bride of 57 years on December 20, 2016. When mom died so did a part of dad but despite the loneliness and loss, he managed to live on his own up to his death. Albeit, there were many people who always made sure that dad had everything he needed and took anywhere he needed to go, specifically his “little sister” Dolores Martin.
Al worked for the City of Thunder Bay as a firefighter and retired as Platoon Chief after 35 years of service. He was a dedicated employee who had never taken a sick day throughout his career.
He was a hardworking man who not only had his firefighter role but he also created his own Company “Martin Services” which consisted of landscaping and snow removal. Despite this heavy work load he always made time for fishing, hunting and trapping with his friends and brother and on many occasions with his son Rick and friends.
Dad also ensured that mom was well taken care of and went on many fabulous trips with friends and family. Our parents truly enjoyed going to Casino’s across Canada and the USA with many of his lifelong friends.
Elio was an active member of St. Agnes Church and was very proud of the fact that he was one of the oldest members (Parishioners) and continued to assist in Ushering and working at functions up to the time he became ill.
Through the years he was involved in many sports activities and clubs. He had a passion for baseball and hockey and was one of the co-founders of the Thunder Bay Twins.
Dad was also a lifelong member of the DaVinci Centre, the Elks Club and the Knights of Colombus.
Above all of these activities, Dad loved to garden. He would plant enough vegetables to feed the City. More than planting the gardens, he took pride in sharing his garden produce with everyone.
Al is survived by his children; Rick (Nancy) and Donna (Brent), grandchildren Derek (Alex), Ryan (fiancé Ashley), Shaelynn (Regina SK), Chad (Regina SK) and “little sister” Dolores.
He is also survived by his in-laws; Dolores & Stan Werbowetski, John & Cathy Markevich, Andy & Debbie Markevich (Elora, Ont)
Dad has many surviving cousins, nieces and nephews across Canada, the USA and Italy.
Sadly, dad was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, mother and father Alfredo & Antoinetta, baby sister in infancy Mary, brother and sister-in-law Dino & Gladys, sister and brother-in-law Marlene & Willie Mikus (Staten Island, NY) and mother and father-in-law Andrew & Mary Markevich.
Please join us as per dads wishes for a celebration of life Mass on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, at 12:10pm in St. Agnes Church, concelebrated by Rev. James Panikulam and Rev. Francis Pudicherry. Mass will be livestreamed through the St. Agnes Parish facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stagnesrc. Interment will be at a later date. In keeping with our father’s tradition of sharing food, donations can be made to the RFDA or a charity of your choice.
“He asked for so little but gave so very much…”
Born in Fort William, May 6, 1933 to parents Alfredo and Antoinetta Martin. If Al wasn’t enough to handle there was his identical twin brother Dino to keep him company and create chaos wherever they went until Dino’s passing at the age of 82.
He married Eleanor Markevich, May 9, 1959, however, sadly he lost his bride of 57 years on December 20, 2016. When mom died so did a part of dad but despite the loneliness and loss, he managed to live on his own up to his death. Albeit, there were many people who always made sure that dad had everything he needed and took anywhere he needed to go, specifically his “little sister” Dolores Martin.
Al worked for the City of Thunder Bay as a firefighter and retired as Platoon Chief after 35 years of service. He was a dedicated employee who had never taken a sick day throughout his career.
He was a hardworking man who not only had his firefighter role but he also created his own Company “Martin Services” which consisted of landscaping and snow removal. Despite this heavy work load he always made time for fishing, hunting and trapping with his friends and brother and on many occasions with his son Rick and friends.
Dad also ensured that mom was well taken care of and went on many fabulous trips with friends and family. Our parents truly enjoyed going to Casino’s across Canada and the USA with many of his lifelong friends.
Elio was an active member of St. Agnes Church and was very proud of the fact that he was one of the oldest members (Parishioners) and continued to assist in Ushering and working at functions up to the time he became ill.
Through the years he was involved in many sports activities and clubs. He had a passion for baseball and hockey and was one of the co-founders of the Thunder Bay Twins.
Dad was also a lifelong member of the DaVinci Centre, the Elks Club and the Knights of Colombus.
Above all of these activities, Dad loved to garden. He would plant enough vegetables to feed the City. More than planting the gardens, he took pride in sharing his garden produce with everyone.
Al is survived by his children; Rick (Nancy) and Donna (Brent), grandchildren Derek (Alex), Ryan (fiancé Ashley), Shaelynn (Regina SK), Chad (Regina SK) and “little sister” Dolores.
He is also survived by his in-laws; Dolores & Stan Werbowetski, John & Cathy Markevich, Andy & Debbie Markevich (Elora, Ont)
Dad has many surviving cousins, nieces and nephews across Canada, the USA and Italy.
Sadly, dad was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, mother and father Alfredo & Antoinetta, baby sister in infancy Mary, brother and sister-in-law Dino & Gladys, sister and brother-in-law Marlene & Willie Mikus (Staten Island, NY) and mother and father-in-law Andrew & Mary Markevich.
Please join us as per dads wishes for a celebration of life Mass on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, at 12:10pm in St. Agnes Church, concelebrated by Rev. James Panikulam and Rev. Francis Pudicherry. Mass will be livestreamed through the St. Agnes Parish facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stagnesrc. Interment will be at a later date. In keeping with our father’s tradition of sharing food, donations can be made to the RFDA or a charity of your choice.
“He asked for so little but gave so very much…”