Almost a year after a diagnosis of end stage liver disease, Gary died of heart complications. Mercifully, death came quickly.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Cecil Richard Martin and is survived by his wife, Carol (nee Scott); sons, Jason Beaver (Lisa Jones), Joel Martinflatt (Ashleigh) and daughter, Andrea (Grant Hill) as well as grandchildren, Josh and Sam Beaver and Sumalee and Jachai Martinflatt.  He is also survived by his mother, Estrid; sisters, Kathleen (Bob Rosicki), Joyce Martin and brother, Mike Martin (Kim); nephew, Craig and one uncle and many aunts and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved dogs, Fionn and Irish.

Gary proudly described himself as a curmudgeon but those who knew him saw a generous and a big heart.

Gary expressed his love for his family by cooking.  He was known as an excellent chef and particularly loved cooking Italian and Indian food.  Gatherings of family and friends benefited from his culinary skills.  At Christmas time, knowing the rapid progression of his illness, each family member wrote a letter expressing their love and appreciation.  He kept those notes and letters and often reread them.

Gary worked hard to make the lives of people better.

Gary grew up in Trail, BC, attended Selkirk College and the University of Victoria where he did research and graduate work. He joined the Provincial Government in 1975 and retired in 2006. He chose to work in the public service believing that work for Government was a big arena to serve others. Helping shape public policy was a calling and he loved it.  This passion for service inspired others. When Gary became ill, he heard from many people how much his support had meant in developing their careers.

Throughout his life he was very involved in church activities, firmly believing that the way to serve God and the community was to serve His people.  He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Elementary School Board, The St. Andrew’s Regional High School Building Committee and an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Anne.

Gary was a Roman Catholic but believed very strongly in an ecumenical approach to service.  When he retired from Government, he volunteered with the Oak Bay United Church Thrift Shop, working to provide household goods, clothing and furniture to the less fortunate.  He loved working with the “outdoor crew” and enjoyed the regulars who came to shop and the pickups and deliveries that he and Don, Bob and Bill made all over the city.

He was also the treasurer of the Victoria Refugee Initiative, a combined effort of St Aidan’s United Church, Oak Bay United Church and the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque.  At the end of his life, he was working still to carry on and expand the work with refugees.

In keeping with his ecumenical focus, Gary has requested a funeral service that includes Catholic and Protestant traditions.  The service will be held at Oak Bay United Church on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11 am. A reception will follow in the church community hall.

The family is grateful to all in the health care system who cared so well for Gary especially Doctors Allan Leslie, Rohit Pai and Ken Yvorchuk and their staff.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a service charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Judy Roberts

    Dear Carol,
    I was unable to attend Gary’s service today but you and your family have been in my heart. What a great man he was and what a loss for you! I hope that you are able to accept the support of your friends. Grief can be heavy indeed. I certainly will continue to hold you near and I send you my love.

    Judy Roberts

  • Fr. Walter, Rosemary and Bob Donald

    Our hearts and prayers go out for Gary, Carol and the Martin family. It was a shock when Rosemary said that she had just read Gary’s obituary notice.

    Dear Carol, we know that your faith is deep and your hope is strong. We know that you will miss Gary’s earthly presence very much BUT we also know that for you love conquers death.

    May Gary rest in peace and rise in glory.

    With our love – Walter, Rosemary and Bob Donald

  • Carol Munro

    My sincere sympathy to the Martin family, as you grieve the loss of Gary. When we worked together to bring our refugee family to Victoria in 2015/16, Gary’s dedication to the cause was total. It wouldn’t have happened without major commitments from many, including Gary, so thank you, and may you rest in peace.

  • Peggy Smith

    My heart aches for you Carol, It is a great loss for you and the community

    Peggy Smith

  • Marcel Roy

    Feel fortunate to have enjoyed both his company and cooking.

    Knowing Gary through my iteration with Jason and his family, it is clear that he has been an integral part of their lives and will continue to live in their hearts. He will be missed.

    Sorry for your loss,

    Marcel Roy

  • Manjeet Uppal

    Thinking of you and wishing you peace & comfort as you remember Gary.

  • Judy Cavanagh

    Dear Carol and family, My condolences on Gary’s passing. May the good memories of his life sustain you through this period of grief. No doubt he will still be watching over you. He had a god influence on my career when I worked in the public service. For this, I am grateful.

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