ROBERT ELMER MARTIN (ROBBIE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ROBERT (ROBBIE) ELMER MARTIN Robert (Robbie) Elmer Martin, with his family by his side, passed after a brief illness on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ellen (nee Sigvaldason); his four daughters, Sharlene (Robert), Loretta (Owen), Laureen (Billy), and Tracey (Jeff); grandchildren, Brett, Kirk, Dustin, Dillon, Kailee, Audun, Cohen and Brenna; sisters, Alma (Raymond), Eleanor (Allan), Lorraine, Lorna (Lorne); sisters-in-law, Sigurbjorg, Anna (Tryggvi), Kristin (Rowland), Sylvia; brother-in-law David (Lee); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Beatrice; in-laws, Kristjan and Phyllis; sisters, Emily and Gudfinna; brothers-in-law, Siggi, Paul, Mike, Raymond, Halldor, and Clifford. Dad was born December 22, 1934. The family farm in Vidir was his first, last and only home. Dad began farming with his parents at an early age, and after Mom and Dad married, Mom joined the farm as well. It was a mixed farm and extra help was often needed. Mom and Dad joined the IAEA and twenty-five agricultural exchange students, from numerous overseas countries, were hosted on the farm. Many of these trainees remain close family friends. Mom and Dad took a trip to Europe to attend the wedding of Chris, one of the trainees, and to visit many of the others as well. Tracey and Jeff took over the farm, which allowed Dad to remain actively involved in the operation until recently. Jeff could always count on Dad to give a hand when needed. Wonderful memories exist from growing up on the farm with Mom and Dad. It was always a centre of activity, filled with family and friends. When there was work to be done, we all pitched in; milking cows, moving bales, harvesting and feeding pigs. But when there was down-time, the ball gloves, pingpong paddles, and badminton rackets all came out. There was known to be a few competitive matches of Anti-Anti-I-Over, a farm favourite. Dad was known to make a mean skating rink, first for his girls, then for his grandchildren. Everyone would look forward to playing hockey on Christmas Eve, on Afi's rink. With a flood light mounted on the end of a grain auger, we played well into the night. Dad was community minded. Over the years, he served on the Vidir Hall Committee, Arborg Co-op Board, Arborg Curling Rink Board, Pool Elevator Board, and as a Leader in the Vidir 4-H Club. Dad was always ready to help out his neighbours and family when needed. Nieces and nephews knew Uncle Robbie could always be counted on. Dad enjoyed life. In early years, Dad had a trap line with Uncle Raymond. Snowmobiling was also a favourite past time. He played hockey with the Arborg Falcons and curled for many years, and stick curled until last winter. Mom and Dad loved following their family to hockey games, curling bonspiels, track meets, and rodeos. They enjoyed many camping and fishing excursions with friends and family. His sisters held a special place in his heart. Through the years, they did many things together and were there for him as his health declined. We would like to thank all the family and friends that supported Mom and Dad with driving to appointments and trips to dialysis. Thank you to Donna and the staff at the Gimli Hospital for the compassionate care. Special thanks goes out to the staff of the Dialysis Unit. They became like family to Mom and Dad and made a difficult situation much better. We would also like to acknowledge the excellent care Dad received in the ICU at St. Boniface Hospital. Thanks for all the calls and support doing this time. There will be a private service. MacKenzie Funeral Home Arborg 204 376 2362 info@mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2019