Martin Hugh Scherzer was born in Montreal, Quebec, on July 31, 1939, the eldest of three sons born to Alfred and Mildred (Honey) Scherzer (neé Cohen). Alongside his brothers, Peter and David, he divided his childhood between city life and treasured summers at the family’s cottage on Lake Champlain, where his lifelong love of puzzles, learning, and spirited conversation first took root.
After attending Montreal High School, Martin pursued science and dentistry studies at McGill University. While working a summer job at Eaton’s, he met the spirited and sharp-witted Jane St. Clair Shaw. Their chance meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that would span more than six decades.
As newlyweds, Martin and Jane moved to rural British Columbia, where Martin first began practising dentistry with Jane working beside him as his chairside assistant. Together they saved enough to finance Martin’s orthodontic specialty training at the Université de Montréal, following in the footsteps of his father, Alfred. Before settling into family life, they celebrated with a memorable honeymoon through Japan and India. Upon returning to Montreal, they welcomed their first son, Mark.
The family eventually made their home in Victoria, British Columbia, where their second son, Paul, was born. Martin became one of the early orthodontists in Victoria, building a practice known for meticulous care, quiet patience, and genuine concern for every patient. During a career spanning more than three decades, he treated thousands of patients, including singer Nellie Furtado. He also volunteered with the Royal Jubilee Hospital cleft palate program and was often sought out by colleagues for advice on complex orthodontic and malpractice matters. An active member of the Rotary Club of Victoria for more than twenty years, Martin valued both its fellowship and commitment to community service.
Outside the office, Martin loved discovering unusual foods, debating ideas over long meals, playing squash, and tackling challenging dessert recipes. Retirement did little to slow him down. After leaving practice on disability, he volunteered with a local non-profit organization and restaurant, and travelled the world extensively with Jane, embracing a shared passion for ocean cruising that took them to every corner of the globe.
In 1994, Martin and Jane moved to Laurel Point, where they spent the next three decades overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Martin served on the strata council and spent many happy hours in what he affectionately called his third floor “Palace of Solitude,” refining elaborate financial models simply for the enjoyment of solving complex problems.
Martin delighted in his grandchildren, Aran and Lara, and took particular satisfaction in helping the family acquire a farmhouse in Prince Edward County, Ontario, a place that reminded him of the Lake Champlain summers of his youth.
From 2020 onward, Martin became Jane’s primary caregiver as Alzheimer’s disease gradually took hold. Even after she entered long-term care, he remained a constant presence, visiting faithfully and quietly advocating for her comfort and well-being until her passing in early 2025.
In 2024, Martin sold the much-loved Laurel Point townhouse and moved a short distance to the retirement residence Victoria Harbour by Chartwell. There he quickly made many new friends and became well known for keeping his suite stocked with an eclectic assortment of foods carefully chosen to accommodate his many dietary allergies.
In May 2026, Martin developed a serious pneumonia that led to a determined twelve-week battle. He passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, surrounded by family and the compassionate staff of Helping Hands and AMICA Jubilee House.
Martin will be remembered for his thoughtful nature, quiet curiosity, integrity, loyalty, and steadfast devotion to his family, friends, patients, and colleagues. He lived with purpose, approached life with humility and determination, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and lives made better through his care.
Cremation has taken place privately.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who cared for Martin during his final months, especially Charm Lourdes, Director of Wellness at AMICA Jubilee House, Chef Ernancy Latorre, and Wendy Pocock of Helping Hands PSS Ltd. Each of them took the time to truly listen to Martin and did everything they could to ensure his comfort, dignity, and quality of life each day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Martin’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia .
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Scherzer” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
8 Responses
I first met Martin in 1990. I referred all of my ortho cases to him until he retired. His practice in the Sayward building made it convenient for me to head over and discuss complex cases. We had many lunches together and his love of food was obvious. The best olive oil gift I ever received came from Martin. He was a perfectionist with great taste. Thank you Martin for all of the help you generously gave to a young dentist. Peace be with you.
Dr Todd Regnier
I first met Martin in 1990. I referred all of my ortho cases to him until her retired. His practice in the Sayward building made it convenient for me to head over and discuss complex cases. We had many lunches together and his love of food was obvious. The best olive oil gift I ever received came from Martin. He was a perfectionist with great taste. Thank you Martin for all of the help you generously gave to a young dentist. Peace be with you.
Sarah Sumner ( Hodgson )
Oh our circle of our second Dad’s and Mom’s get smaller too fast. Your Dad was so cool , and gave me the great smile to this day. Will always be in my thoughts , sorry for the lose , many hugs ,XX
Martin and Jane were our next door neighbours from 2010. We had many long and interesting discussions as neighbours will do. Martin’s last few years were challenging, both supporting Jane and dealing with his own issues but he was always a delight to talk about virtually anything. When he was in town after moving out of Laurel Point we continued to touch base regularly and get together occasionally. We were supposed to get together on the day he passed. One last surprise. Bless you Martin. Chris and Tatiana Lovelace
Martin was a joy to know – a true gentleman who always thought carefully before he spoke and measured his words (as well as his emails!) for meaning, accuracy and diplomacy. He always showed grace under trial and, even in his struggle these past weeks, never once complained of anything worse than dry fish!
Having had the privilege to care for Jane and latterly Martin it amazes me how he was always thinking about the other person and wanting to ensure that everyone was comfortable in any given situation. Martin showed courage and courtesy literally to his last day and certainly set the bar very high for all of us in whatever we face during the span of our lives.
Martin was the first person whom I have ever met who had travelled to Tibet before the Chinese invasion. He was a fascinating conversationalist, and loved his garden of fresh herbs which adorned his patio both at Laurel Point and Chartwell. He was a compassionate human being and considerate of his dear wife Jane. As his gardener, he asked me to make floral plantings within Jane’s line of sight so she could enjoy them from her chair.
Martin was accomplished in many ways, but I will remember him most for his wonderful effortless gift of friendship. I will miss him very much.
Alan and I have known Martin since 2004 when we first lived at Laurel Point. He came to be a great neighbour and dear friend to us over the years. We were surprised at his passing having seen him as recently as a few months ago in James Bay.
He will be remembered.