Br. Michael M. Martin, S.J.

Br. Mike was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the son of George Martin and Rita Kennedy. He entered the novitiate at Guelph, Ontario on February 14, 1959. He pronounced first vows in 1961 and did a two-year juniorate at Milford, Ohio. He then returned to Guelph where he served in the carpentry shop and did general maintenance for four years. He took on the same tasks, starting in 1967, at Regis College, Willowdale; in 1968, at St. Paul’s High School, Winnipeg; and finally, back at Guelph in 1971.

Mike’s long association with St. Andrew’s Parish in Thunder Bay began in 1976 when he was assigned there as an assistant to the pastor. For fifteen years he was involved in many parish and community activities and was also caretaker of the community villa.

Early in 1992, Mike moved to Canadian Martyrs’ parish and community in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As in Thunder Bay, he excelled in parish and community responsibilities. Again, he took on the care of a villa, this time at St. Margaret’s Bay. He also served as minister of the community. In 2005 the parish was transferred to diocesan control and the community on Wellington Street was closed the following year.

Br. Mike moved to Pickering in 2006 and was soon engaged in several activities as assistant to the superior. He drove Jesuits to various appointments and events. He was noted for his fabulous Christmas and Easter decorations of public areas at René Goupil House and the La Storta residence. Even his bedroom was well decorated for the various liturgical seasons. Mike used his carpentry and mechanical skills well and was often to be seen in the carpentry shop. He was very generous with his time when any Jesuit was sick or dying, spending long hours with them at their bedside, whether at the hospital or the infirmary. Since he himself suffered from health and psychological problems at various times, he exuded a particular sympathy to those in physical or psychological distress. In his final years, he was very peaceful and friendly with everyone.

The wake will take place at St. René Goupil Chapel, Pickering, Wednesday, November 4th, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. René Goupil Chapel, Thursday, November 5th, 2026 10 a.m. Burial to follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Jesuit Cemetery, Guelph. Donations to the Jesuit Advancement Office, 43 Queen’s Park Cres. E., Toronto, ON M5S 2C3, (416-962-4500).