Martin, Bennett Michael “Ben”

We are saddened by the loss of a beloved Mi’kmaq elder, Bennett Michael Martin, born May 22, 1932 in Truro, NS. His passing occurred Tuesday, February 5, 2013 in Truro. He lived an extraordinarily rich and varied life, deeply immersed in his Mi’kmaq heritage while successfully raising a large family within the wider north American society .As a youth he was a hunting guide, lifelong member of the Sacred Heart parish, a member of the 1947 Truro Bearcats Hockey Team, Joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1955; was the in USMC Military Police and served in the 2nd Marine Division in Fleet Maintenance; he was stationed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Norfolk Virginia; performed security and ceremonial services culminating in personal security services for President Dwight Eisenhower and physicist Albert Einstein, recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Honourably discharged in 1960. Ben spent years as a building contractor and trades person until the 1980’s. Working in the “combat zone” in the city of Boston, employing and training many young workers many who can trace their employment history to working for Ben. Ben was one of the founders and builders of the Abenaki Motor Inn
(first economic, independent viable project on any reserve in Nova Scotia), a dream he held close to his heart and which was realized. Ben was a very important figure in the realm of Native Drug and Alcohol counseling One of the many important achievements in his life was his 49 years of sobriety and association with AA. He was the Native Alcohol and Drug Counsellor for Millbrook First Nation and became the first executive Director for the Eagles Nest Treatment and Recovery House. He took great pride in knowing that he had helped so many people on their road to recovery. There are many who are forever grateful to Ben for his leading them to a healthier life. Survived by wife of 60 years, Jean Sophia (nee Johnson), eight children, Michael John Martin (Bernadette), Mary Louise Martin (Gordon Hanson), Catherine Anne Martin (Frank Clifford); Paul Leo Martin ( Anne), Cynthia Elizabeth Martin (Al), Anne Marie Martin(James Carroll), Theresa Jean Martin, William Andrew Martin ( Kate), sixteen grandchildren, Brian, Gillian, Alex, Annie Rose, Sean, Natalie, Nathan, Hannah, Rita Marie, Mary Anne, Dennis, Emily, Christopher, April, Brenda; four great grandchildren, Lyrica, North, Marshall, Macy, and godchildren Timothy Martin, Jacklyn Paul, Margaret Harris (nee Walsh), and George F. Paul Jr. “Juice”. He was predeceased by parents Michael George Martin and Mary Agnes Martin (nee Cope), sisters Beatrice, Doris, brothers Gilbert Henry, Michael Joseph, John Kenneth Martin and beloved grandson Thomas Gabrial Clifford. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Friday from 2pm to 9 pm at the Sacred Heart Church, Church Road, Millbrook First Nation, and Truro, NS. A legion tribute service conducted by Branch #26 of the Royal Canadian Legion Truro will be held 7 pm Friday and prayer services to follow at 8 pm at the church. Funeral Mass in celebration will be held on Saturday, February 9, at 11 am officiated by Father Tom Kurudeepan at the Sacred Heart Church. Feast and Salite (Auction) to follow at Millbrook Community Hall. Internment will take place at a later date. Donations in Ben’s memory may be made to St. Anne’s De Beaupre Pilgrimage and the Saint Kateri Church, Indianbrook First Nation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Ben’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com