PETER MARTIN

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PETER MARTIN

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Martin on June 1, 2024, at the age of 91.

Peter loved and was greatly loved by his wife of 65 years, Ute, his two lifelong friends and brothers, Hans (Rosalind) and Rolf (Sue), his three daughters, Heidi (Duane), Annette (Dennis), and Nicola (Walt), and his grandchildren, Raven, Nicholas, Sienna (Kevin), Zachary, Mason, Kaleb and great-grandson Theon.

Peter was born in Winnipeg March 4, 1933, the first of three of Ruth and Fred Martin’s children. After graduating from the University of Manitoba School of Commerce, he travelled to Germany where he worked with Schwarzkoff hair products. Upon returning to Canada, he joined his father at Fred Martin Agencies in sporting goods distribution, to be later joined by brother Rolf. His devotion to this industry took Peter around the world, meeting many of the most prominent athletes and other leaders in the industry. Peter was a founding member and director of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, est. 1978. He was elected president of the Canadian Sporting Goods Association (1980 to 1983), who later named him an honorary life member in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry.

His interests and skill sets were diverse from camping, canoeing, tennis and skiing, to reading, the arts, travel and current affairs. At a very young age, he developed a passion for Indigenous culture, which had a significant impact on his life and world outlook. His travels across the Canadian North brought him into contact with many artists resulting in a modest collection of Inuit carvings, art and prints. If you visited him at home, he would fondly discuss each piece of art, as well as the various masks he acquired from around the world.

Music also played an important part in his life. Peter loved listening to classical music and playing the piano, which he learned from his father. He enjoyed playing with his brother Hans, an accomplished pianist, and their younger brother Rolf, who tried his best to play along on the violin. This love of music would be embraced by his children.

Cottage country was a special part of his life. He spent much time at their cottage on Austin Lake in Ontario where he was able to relax with family, spend hours honing his carpentry skills or working at improving his fishing abilities. Winter brought cherished trips to Los Tuelos, Puerto Vallarta, which gave Peter and Ute an opportunity to spend quality time with their family or his brother Hans and sister-in-law Rosalind, while perfecting margaritas with freshly squeezed limes.

His passions were many, however, the role he embraced wholeheartedly was that of Opa. Dedicating time with his grandchildren, spontaneously hamming it up with them and doing things together. His devotion to his family and grandchildren was special. As a dad he provided love and guidance and exposure to the myriad of life opportunities. He actively led the family in the pursuits of tennis, camping, music and travel. Family traditions, particularly Christmas, were central to life growing up. Being there for all family and with family was core to who he was!

Peter will be missed by all who knew him and whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway Ave. with reception to follow.

Tribute Link: www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2024, Jun 08, 2024