Joan H Martin

1920-2019

Joan H. Martin passed away peacefully at the Brentwood Care Centre in Calgary on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the age of 99 years.

Joan was born in London, England. During World War II she served with the Royal Air Force, utilizing her German language skills in the wireless intelligence unit. Here she met and married Al Martin, a Canadian airman. In the spring of 1945, with the war in its last stages, Joan and Al moved back to Canada. In 1950 they moved to Calgary, where Joan remained after Al passed away in 1968.

In 1971 Joan achieved her long-held dream of becoming a pilot and obtained her Private Pilot license. In 1975 she became Canada’s first licensed woman balloon pilot, her personal way of marking International Women’s Year.

Joan was an active volunteer into her late 80s with several organizations, including the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, Calgary Balloon Club, Kerby Centre, and Arthritis Society. She was also an avid gardener, caring for her large yard of lawns and flowerbeds into her 90s.

Joan is survived by her son John (Lynda Howard), daughter Val (Gerry Ward) and granddaughter Shannon. Joan was predeceased by her husband Al G Martin.

The family would like to express thanks and gratitude to Dr. Smyth and all the staff at the Brentwood Care Centre for their care and kindness during Joan’s residence.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.