03/23/2022
Allan William Martin
September 20, 1939 – February 28, 2022
On February 28, 2022, Allan Martin, former resident of Pickle Lake, Ontario peacefully passed away in Dryden, Ontario at the age of 82. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie, his children; Ricky (Debbie), Debby (Rod), Shelby (Howard), his nine grandchildren; Teri-Lyn, Steven (Tennille), Leah (Mark), Bryan (Kyla), Alana, Jimmy (Amy), Billy (Alica), Chrystal (Mike), Kylan (Brittany) and seventeen great grandchildren. His sisters; Maxine, Marion, Barbara (Richard) and Grace, his brother Milton (Donna) Smith, along with many nieces, nephews and friends Allan was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Grace, son, Billy, brothers; Angus, Ronnie, Billy and his sister Elsie. Allan lived an extremely eventful life filled with excitement and adventure.
Allan was born on September 20, 1939 in Timmins, Ontario. Allan was always busy keeping up with his older brother, Angus in the hockey world. At the age of 16, Allan was drafted to the Chicago Black Hawks farm team the Kitchener/ Waterloo Dutchmen. He was an extremely talented player, always playing with the older kids to improve his skills. When faced with the choice of playing professional hockey (at that time did not pay well) or working in the mining industry to support his young family, he chose the most responsible option. Allan worked in many communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, working in mining, construction and the pulp and paper industry; always in a management position with at least 50+ staff.
Pickle Lake is the community that touched his heart the most. Allan made many lifelong friendships while living in the community. Allan's family was very important to him, and he would always find the time to enjoy his favorite pastimes with them, which included; hockey, curling, baseball, fishing, hunting and checking his trap lines. He would never miss a chance to go hunting every fall with the hopes of shooting a moose. Allan loved to travel; he traveled across Canada from Coast to Coast, including Newfoundland and to exotic destinations like Rio de Janeiro or try his luck with gambling in Las Vegas.
Allan ran a successful road contracting company with his family in Pickle Lake while operating a bulk fuel station. Allan sold Martin and sons and moved to Dryden to own and operate the Hideaway Motel for several years and then retired in Dryden with Marjorie. Allan continued to keep himself busy which was a challenge with his progressing diagnosis of Parkinson's disease despite this diagnosis; Allan continued to push himself and his body to pursue his love of the outdoors and adventure.
Allan spent the last years of his life living in Dryden, Ontario at Princess Court, by the nickname of “Old Blue Eyes” continuing to be a humble man that didn't expect to be pampered by the staff.
Allan will be remembered in his community as a man who had a huge heart, loved adventure, was courageous, lived with integrity and would always help someone in need with no question.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If friends desire, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada, online (Parkinson.ca) or through Stevens Funeral Home, PO Box 412, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z1.
