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 .
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McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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