Leslie (Les) Thomas Martin was born April 20, 1924 in North Battleford and passed away peacefully February 25, 2016 with his daughters at his bedside. Les grew up in the Ranger School District with his parents William and Agnes Martin, and his sister Eva. In the fall of 1930 Les and his family travelled to England to visit with his ill Grandfather. While there he met many of his cousins before returning to Canada in the spring of 1931. Les started farming at a young age, while his Dad was away working as the weed inspector for the PFRA. Les did the daily farm chores, looking after the animals, seeding and harvesting. Les attended Ranger School and had great times with his friends. Dad had a pet magpie as a child and currently was feeding chickadees from his hands. Dad often told us about the good times he had growing up. The times spent hunting, fishing, going to dances, threshing, and other adventures he had as a young man. Dad met the love of his life Olga Kotyk, who became a school teacher in the area. They were married December 24, 1948. They bought a quarter of land from Gerrit Nyholt and built a house with the help of neighbors. In 1978 Les decided to sell off his cattle and just do grain farming. In 1990 he had an auction to sell his farm machinery and retire. Always the farmer, he continued to help his nephews as their driver when they needed to move equipment. Dad also spent his time mowing the grass in the farmyard and keeping everything trimmed up. He would also work up our gardens, and always helped to dig the potatoes and haul them into the house in the fall. Dad enjoyed his wood stove, as he liked the heat it created to keep the house warm. The few times he stayed in town with us, he said we were trying to freeze him out, and was always happy to get back to his own home. Mom passed away in November 2002, and Dad was heartbroken but he managed to carry on. Mom had taught him to cook the basics when she became sick. Dad got very good at using the microwave as it was quick, easy, and meant he would have to use fewer dishes. Dad was a kind, quiet, and gentle man who loved and was proud of his family. Dad enjoyed the farm and was the happiest when his family was able to spend time with him there. Dad will be deeply missed by us, but he is with our mom and they are at peace. Les leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughters: Shirley, Linda, and Cathy; Sister Eva鈥檚 family: Maurice Chartrand, Helen Cherwoniak, Irene (Jim) Kivimaa, Paul Chartrand, Albert Jr. (Yvette) Chartrand, and their families; Sister-in-laws: Ann Kotyk and her son Boris (Kathy); Muriel Tkatchuk, and her sons: Donnie (Ione), Myron (Darcy); Mary Fryz family: Helen Kachuk, Sylvia (Richard) Marchenko, Ernie Fryz, and their families; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents, William and Agnes Martin; wife Olga and their son Billy; Sister Eva (+ Albert Sr.) Chartrand; Brothers-in-law: Fred Kotyk, Peter Tkatchuk; Sister-in-law Mary (+ Nick) Fryz; Niece, Doris Poor. Nephew, Ron Kotyk. A Celebration Of Life was held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Paul鈥檚 Anglican Church, North Battleford, SK., with Janice Trost officiating. Shared Memories were given by Dan Jackson. Honourary Pallbearers were 鈥淎ll whose lives Les touched.鈥� Music Ministry: Organist/Pianist 鈥� Mrs. M. Junice Headley; St. Paul鈥檚 Sanctuary Choir; Soloist 鈥� Robert MacKay 鈥� 鈥淏eautiful Isle Of Somewhere鈥�; Hymn Selections: 鈥淛ust A Closer Walk With Thee鈥� & 鈥淎bide With Me.鈥� Interment Of Cremated remains will be at the City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. (at a later date). Donations may be made to the River Heights Lodge Auxiliary, BUH Foundation, or the donor鈥檚 choice. The Family wishes to thank everyone for their overwhelming love and support at this sad time. We will be forever grateful. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.
