RICHARD (DICK) BRIAN MARTINOOK

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RICHARD (DICK) BRIAN MARTINOOK

Richard (Dick) Brian Martinook passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Brandon General Hospital. Dick was born on May 4, 1945, in Brandon to Mike and Julia Martinook.

At the age of one the family moved to Wroxton, Saskatchewan. This is where Dick’s curious and adventurous spirit would be able to thrive. His Father bought a garage, and he loved spending time learning all things mechanical. To supplement his $.35 a week allowance he worked for local farmers picking stones, driving cattle and haying. He had a childhood filled with friends and many experiences that you find in a small town. In 1961 the garage was sold and the family moved to a farm west of Brandon. After high school and a Cadet training Camp at Shilo, he joined Manitoba Hydro and became a lineman.

In 1966 Dick met the love of his life Gail Bayne at a dance in Souris. They were married on July 15,1967 and made a home in Brandon. He loved being a lineman, but his job took him away from home. He took a job as a System Operator and they moved to Winnipeg. They were in Winnipeg for 4 years, and he then took a lateral move back to Brandon. This position gave him 5 days off after working the night shift and so being Dick, he had to put it to good use. He acquired his Class 1 licence and began driving semi for some private companies. He dabbled in other jobs such as Brandon Advertising Distributors, partnership in a purebred Chianina cattle company and helping friends build and wire their basements. Dick decided to get his pilot licence in 1985 but due to heart health flying was not compatible. He sadly gave up his licence 3 year later. Dick always had to find a project and was happy to have volunteered for the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. He was proud of his Provincial Ex Volunteer of the Year Award and becoming a Director. After 35 years with Manitoba Hydro Dick and Gail from her banking job retired in 2000. They took the advice of friends to go to Lake Havasu in Arizona. Thus began 18 years of winter living making friends in the trailer park and enjoying time with the folks from Brandon. The circle of friends from the USA became like family and the Happy Hours became legendary. They were also able to enjoy their summers at Clear Lake at his in-law’s cottage. Here they made more good friends and enjoyed the many treasures that Clear Lake had to offer. While doing maintenance on the cabin and going fishing Dick was content. He was asked by a friend to help put in a crop; Dick got his chance to delve into the life of a farmer for many years. He then moved on to driving pilot truck. This job enabled him to fulfill his curious spirit as he travelled to many places from the Gulf of Mexico to Whitehorse.

Dick’s life changed when he had to start dialysis. He tried to do some travel but found it difficult. They were still able to enjoy the summers at the lake in a 5th wheel at Sporty’s. When Gail was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Dick dedicated his life to making Gail’s easier. When he could no longer look after Gail, maintain a house and yard they moved into Rotary Villas Assisted Living complex. After 13 months Dick lost his beloved Gail. Life was forever changed. A heart attack in November 2024 left Dick with many days a struggle. Dick lived life to the fullest making friends along the way. He filled every moment with love, work and humour.

Dick was predeceased by parents Mike Martinook and Julia Millar, in-laws Bill and Aida Bayne, wife Gail, brother Don and nephew Grant. He is survived by his sister Marilyn and Wayne Wells, Brother Bill, brother-in-law Barrie (Andrea)Bayne, sister-in-law Dawn Minogue (Ken) and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the Brandon Renal Unit for their dedicated care.

Pursuant to Dick’s wishes a Happy Hour will be held for family and friends on May 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Dominion Exhibition Display building (Dome) in Brandon.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 25, 2026