Nick Martin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and lifelong journalist passed away on October 15, 2025, at age 77 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Born in Jarrow-on-Tyne in England, Nick moved to Canada with his parents Florence and Nicholas when he was four. He grew up in Georgetown, Ontario and attended Glendon College at York University where he began his career as a newspaper journalist writing for the student newspaper before moving on to report professionally for several outlets in southwestern Ontario, including the London Free Press.
Nick married his wife Lyn in Toronto in 1986. After the addition of their son Christopher in 1988, the family moved to Winnipeg and soon after welcomed daughter Gillian in 1991. Nick was a very committed and involved father who relished that role. Nick was a passionate writer. In Winnipeg, Nick started what would become his decades-long career with the Winnipeg Free Press working various roles, including on the education, human rights and legislative beats, and winning provincial and national awards along the way.
Nick retired in 2018. He and Lyn soon moved to Victoria, British Columbia where they built a new community and Nick officially became Grampa Nick. In his later years Nick travelled and continued to write for the Free Press building a loyal following for his mystery book reviews. Nick had a good life and he will be missed. He always had an open lap for his dogs. He was a voracious reader and huge fan of science fiction movies. He was passionate about sports, especially his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a marathon runner, soccer referee and proudly collected tens of thousands of steps on long walks. He loved kayaking and overlooking the quiet water from their cabin at Caddy Lake. He enjoyed a dark English beer and made a mean BBQ chicken. His friendships were deep and long lasting. He loved giving gifts and sending postcards.
Nick will be dearly missed by his wife Lyn; his children Chris (Karen) and Gill (Bradley); his grandchildren Charlie, Henry and Daphne; his loving dog Curly; and his many other friends and family.
The family extends special appreciation to the staff of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for their care and devotion to Nick’s health and comfort. In Nick’s memory, please consider donating to the Parkinson Wellness Projects in Victoria, British Columbia.
A celebration of life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday May 2nd, 2026th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Margo Goodhand
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Tuula Heinonen Nick was an insightful and thoughtful person who had a gift for clarity and analysis. He also had a sense of wry humour. It was good to listen when he spoke as there was always a new idea or angle to consider and appreciate. Nick’s love for his family ran very deep. It was good to know him.
I send my condolences to Lyn and to Chris and Gillian and their families.
I am so sorry to have missed Nick’s Celebration of Life. A friend just told me it was this morning. I’ve never met a more dedicated reporter: he was phenomenal on a beat, and interested in everything. It was a pleasure working with him at the Free Press. I will remember him fondly, and with respect.