MARTIN, ROBERT J. - The death of J. Robert Martin of Miramichi, NB., husband of Lois (Morell) Martin, occurred on Feb 17th, 2008 at the Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home. He was born in Chatham, NB., in 1926, the son of the late John S. Martin and Mary (Cassidy) Martin. He was educated in local schools, graduating from St. Thomas College in Chatham. He went on to Dalhousie University, Halifax, where he received a degree in Law. He practiced law in Chatham for 30 years. During this time he was active in many organizations, including the Hotel Dieu and Mount St. Joseph Board of Directors, the Board of Trade, The Miramichi Agricultural Exhibition Association and the Board of Directors of the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home. He held various offices including chairman. He was president of the "Friends of St. Thomas" a group which endeavored to keep St. Thomas University in Chatham. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1956-1960, councilor of the Town of Chatham and was the Mayor from 1967-1971. He had also been a member of the Northumberland County Council. He was made Freeman of the Town of Chatham in 1993. He was appointed a Provincial Court Judge in 1982 and retired 10 years later. He and his wife enjoyed eight winters in Naples, Florida and two winters in Victoria B.C. before his health deteriorated. Besides his wife, he is survived by four sons, J. Stephen Martin (Sandra Barss), Halifax, N.S., Frederick C. Martin (Wanda), Victoria, B.C., Dr. Geoffrey R. Martin (Dr. Erin Steuter), Sackville, N.B., Andrew P. Martin of Campbellton, N.B.; two granddaughters, Charlotte Steuter-Martin and Marilla Steuter-Martin, Sackville, N.B.; one brother, Msgr. George W. Martin, Saint John, NB; one sister, Anna McKendy of Nepean, Ont; one brother-in-law, George W. Morell (Ethel) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; several nieces and nephew's. He was predeceased by two brothers, John D. Martin and Dr. Frank Martin; sisters, Molly, Edith, Sister Marion Martin and Catherine Martin. Visitation with family and friends will be held from Maher's Funeral Home, Miramichi, NB., on Tuesday, Feb. 19th from 7-9 and on Wednesday Feb. 20th from 2-4 & 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday Feb. 21st at 11am from St Michael's Basilica with Fr John Fraser officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher's Funeral Home Miramichi, NB Telephone 773-4321.