Gary Eugene Martin

Gary E. Martin, age 67, of Halifax, NS, passed away Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at the Halifax Infirmary surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on November 7, 1956 in Halifax to Stella (Diggins) and the late David Martin, the third of four children, Gary was a Rockingham boy who grew up on Melody Drive, often reminiscing with his brother Jim about the cast of characters of neighbours and friends there. After graduating from Halifax West High School, Gary received his MBA from Dalhousie University and obtaining his CFA Designation, Gary pursued a successful career in the financial services industry reaching the executive level with Maritime Life Assurance Company and later Manulife Life Insurance before retiring from a senior role with Royal Bank of Canada.

Aside from a distinguished career in finance, Gary was a man of many other talents and interests. He was an accomplished musician who sang, played the guitar, piano and any other instrument he put his hand to. In recent years, he pursued his talent of painting on canvas. Gary was an avid reader, particularly of history and current affairs, as well as an avid follower of most sports, especially football, baseball and boxing. He was known for having an uncanny ability to vividly recall certain decades old sporting events in such detail, that you would think you were there, having a beer and watching it with him.

Gary lived with such passion for life, his family, music, travel, and a good dry gin martini. He was a spiritual man who believed love was a gift from God and was a very kind, gentle soul to those who knew him. Gary never let his illness define him, living life to the fullest having fun, travelling the world with his wife, Susan, and being a proud “Papa” to his grandson Isaac. He was truly a "Renaissance Man" who will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Susan (Pyke), sons Andrew (Heather), Shawn (Claire), stepdaughter Jenna Goulden (Jacob), mother Stella, brother Jim (Karen), sisters Debbie Horne (John), Donna Grady (Alex), his beloved grandson Isaac, and mother of his sons Roberta, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his father David. Special thanks to the wonderful, supportive staff of QEII Halifax Infirmary Unit 4.2 and ICU nurse Emily Hamilton.

Cremation has taken place. A public visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 20th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Cruikshank's Funeral Home (2666 Windsor St, Halifax NS), with the service on Thursday, November 21st at 1:00 pm, also at Cruikshanks, Minister Martin Udall officiating. All are welcome at the Lion's Head Tavern (3085 Robie St, Halifax NS) immediately following the service to toast Gary Martin.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Chapter.