Gerald "Gerry" L. Martin, age 92, passed away at his home on Costin Dr., Amherst on Thursday, January 13, 2011.
Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late John M. and Nina G. (Eison) Martin.
Gerry came to Amherst in 1938, being transferred here by the Royal Bank. He joined the Navy in November 1942 and was discharged in March 1946. He left the bank in 1950 and went to work at A D Smith Lumber Ltd and remained there until he retired in 1982.
Gerry was actively involved in serving church and community. At Trinity - St. Stephen's he was a former Scout Leader and Sunday School Teacher for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Square Circle where he served as treasurer and wrote three plays. He served on most of the boards of the church, was president of the former Senior Men's Club and at the time of his death was treasurer of the board of trustees.
In the community Gerry was president of the Amherst Cancer Society for many years. When Terry Fox did his run in Nova Scotia Gerry, with Fred Arenburg (at that time manager of CKDH) met Terry Fox in Wentworth and traveled back to Amherst with him. A tape made by Fred and Gerry with Terry is now in the Terry Fox Museum. Gerry was also chair of the United Appeal, member of the Amherst Board of Health, President of the Amherst Cancer Society, NS Cancer Society and served on the National Cancer Board.
In 1976 Gerry was voted citizen of the year by the local Chamber of Commerce, in 1979 he was Amherst's volunteer representative in Halifax, and in 1980 he earned Man of the year at the Maritime Lumber Bureau where he was chair of transportation for several years. Gerry was also a member of the Kinsmen and K40.
Gerry loved working with young people and when the Kinsmen started Dickey Park he was involved and also was the first president of Minor Hockey when there were 400 to 500 boys.
Gerry enjoyed his summers at Cold Spring Head with the family and after retirement he and Money spent many happy winters in Florida.
He will be missed by all.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Marion "Money" (Allaby), Amherst; 2 daughters, Ardath (Burtt) Barteaux, Rawdon, NS and Geraldine Martin, Amherst; 5 grandchildren, Blaine (Lisa) & Kathleen McQueen, Kim (Jeff) Barteaux and Victor and Leta Barteaux; 3 great grandchildren, Lana McQueen, Nicholas Maniatis and Isobel Kelly; brothers, Ralph (Marilyn), and Lewis (Marie), both of Halifax. He was predeceased by daughter, Susan and Son-in-law, Glenn McQueen and brothers, John, Fulton, Wallace, Alan, Kenneth and Gordon and a sister, Dorothy Martin.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Furlong Jones Funeral Home, 70 Church St., Amherst (902-667-8777). Visiting hours will take place at Trinity-St. Stephen's United Church, Amherst on Monday, January 17, 2011 from 1 pm until the time of the memorial service. The memorial service will be held at 2 pm from the church with reception to follow. Burial in the Amherst Cemetery in the spring.
Those wishing to make a donation in Gerry's memory may do so to the Trinity St. Stephen's United Church or the charity of your choice.
www.furlongjones.ca