JOHN MARTIN

1932 - 2014

John Martin of Vauxhall, passed away in Taber on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the age of 81 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Alana Johnson officiating. Burial followed at the Vauxhall Cemetery.
John is survived by his brothers Harvey (Annie) Martin of Vauxhall and Charles “Chuck” (Dora) Martin of Medicine Hat; brothers-in-law Mac Cotton of Medicine Hat and Jack Martin of Airdrie as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Annie Martin; sisters Eleanor Allison, Joyce Martin, Gerty Cotton and Betty Page; brother Bob Martin; brothers-in-law Laurie Allison and Gilbert Page.
John was born in Taber on August 10, 1932 and spent his childhood years in Innisfail. He rode horse to school until grade nine when he moved to Vauxhall, at which time he did not return to school. He began working at the Vauxhall Garage (International Harvester) as a labourer, fixing tires, cleaning and running for tools. After that he worked in Taber for his Uncle Henry and then for Picket Crew Construction and a road crew doing dragline. John then worked for the Alberta Wheat Pool for thirty eight years, until his retirement.
John was in his fifties when he, along with his brother Harvey first rented land from Nick Kuipers. That continued for four years until they moved on to Joe Howe’s for about six years. They had pigs, cattle, horses, goats, llamas, ducks and chickens.
John enjoyed auctions and going for coffee at Nonna’s, Shell, the Highway 36 restaurant and the chinese restaurant. He lived with his mom his entire life and following her passing, he continued to live there until the house burnt down. At that time John moved in with his brother Harvey and sister-in-law Annie. He later spent some time at the Taber Hospital until moving in to Linden View where he resided until the time of his passing.