Philip Martin

Philip Frederick Martin Philip Frederick Martin, 93, passed away on March 20, 2023 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital surrounded by his family. Philip was predeceased by his wife Olga Martin and his grandson Joshua Markham in 2011. He leaves to mourn children John Martin and wife Karen, Cathleen Markham, Kimberley Viveiros and husband Antonio, grandchildren Amanda, Ann-Marie and Jeff, Shay, Courtney, Marcos, Santos and great grandchildren Emma and Thomas. Philip was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. The son of a Francophone father and Irish mother, he grew up bilingual. Despite the challenges of growing up during the Great Depression, Philip was a resilient and determined young man. At age 22, he enlisted in the Royal 22nd Regiment, “The Van Doos”. Philip served two tours of duty as a peacekeeper with the Army of Occupation in West Germany during the 1950’s. As a paratrooper, jumping from airplanes was part of his job. In 1961 he left the army and married his wife of nearly 50 years, Olga. Over the next decades, Philip worked as a handyman at Parkland Resort, as an orderly at Pinecrest Home, as a maintenance man for the Kenora School Board and as a maintenance man at Confederation College until he retired in 1998. Philip enjoyed camping, garage sales and the Lake of the Woods country life. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren at “Papa’s Camp” on Hilly Lake. Fun times were guaranteed when Papa was fishing, boating, singing, playing the drums and spoons or just hanging out telling stories. Philip was an active member of his community and enjoyed volunteering his time. He coached minor hockey for a few years and helped with the Salvation Army and Home Support. Philip will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held on April 15th, 2023 at 11:00am at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kenora. A celebration of Phil’s life will follow for friends and family at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 12 Kenora. Philip was a member of the Kenora Legion so the family requests that donations be made to Branch 12 in Philip’s honour. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Martin family.