Martin Thomas Gee

We are sad to announce the passing of Martin Gee on February 27th, 2025, at the North Island Hospital in Campbell River, British Columbia, after a brief illness. His loving wife and three daughters were by his side. He was devoted to God, his family, and his community.

Martin was born on March 17th, 1952, in Welland, Ontario to parents Bernard Charles and Martha Maude Gee (nee Davis). He was the youngest of three children. His name came because, while his mother wanted to honor the patron of his birthdate (St. Patrick’s Day), there was already another Patrick born that day and he was then named after St. Martin.

Martin met his wife in high school in Toronto in 1968, and knew it was meant to be. Given his last name, he heard the Turtles 1967 hit ‘Elenore’ (lyrics: Elenore, Gee, I Think You’re Swell) and felt it was a sign he was to marry Eleanor. His first daughter was born in Calgary, AB, and his second and third were born in Squamish, BC.

He was an excellent student in his elementary and secondary school years, winning academic achievement awards throughout. This determination served him well as he gained his CGA (Certified General Accountant) while working as a security guard during the early 1990’s and then used this to become a highly respected member of the municipal finance community.

He was a sports enthusiast during high school, being a member of the football, wresting, track and field, and volleyball teams. Later in life he had a passion for hiking, mountain biking and general outdoor silliness with his daughters.

In high school, he developed his lifelong love of astronomy, and was a proud owner of a telescope that lived in the dining room when he wasn’t out in the back yard with it. Martin passed on this love of the night sky to his daughters and subsequently to his grandson. (His eldest daughter is named after a star in the southern hemisphere).

Martin was self taught on the banjo and guitar, starting in the 1970’s, then added the bass guitar and mandolin. He shared his musical talents with his family and friends, and church community. He could be quite the character. His orator skills and his love of a good dad-joke always left a lasting impression on those who were blessed to meet him.

Later in life, Martin took up collecting and building Lego. He amassed an impressive collection of sets from pop culture to space exploration. He had them proudly displayed throughout the household.

Martin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Eleanor (nee Crookall) and his three daughters Carina (Mike), Nicole (Anton) and Heather (Brett) and his beloved grandson Max, as well as his sister Susan (Peter), brother Brad, nephews Michael and Morgan, and nieces Jane and Brenda, as well as great nephews and nieces Majka, Taj and Owen.

He is predeceased by both his parents, his grandparents, many aunts and uncles as well as numerous cats.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Campbell River Hospital for their wonderful and excellent care, specifically Dr. Campbell, Dr. Nelson, Dr. Tung, Dr. Dhansay, and Dr. Bond.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation in Martin’s memory. A celebration of life will be held on April 5th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Campbell River Baptist Church,260 S Dogwood St.

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/