William (Bill) Gordon Martell, 57, of East Mountain, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 12, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with kidney cancer.
Born on Jan. 13, 1952, in North Sydney, he was the son of the late Fraser and Peg (Acton) Martell.
Bill worked all his life as a bulldozer operator and was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 721 since 1973.
He enjoyed the sport of harness racing and was involved as a horse owner for a number of years.
His greatest joy in life was his young grandson Alec with whom he shared a very special bond.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Donna (Geddes), his two daughters, Ami (Alan Crawley), Guelph, Ont. and Jolee (Darren Crowe), Truro and his grandson, Alec Crawley, Guelph, Ont.
He is also survived by brothers, Charlie (Diane), Burlington, Ont., Kenny, Bedford, Sandy, Halifax and Kevin, Bedford; sisters, Irene Bungay (Ken), Summerside, P.E.I., Jean Young, Halifax, Kay Bieren (Bob), Halifax, Lynn MacDonald (Graeme), Port Hood and Debbie Hopkins (Darren), Hammonds Plains; sister-in-law, Lise Martell, Waverley; mother-in-law, Kay Geddes, Bible Hill; many nieces, nephews and good friends, old and new.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Sonny, Ian and Donald, and father-in-law, Ralph Geddes.
Cremation has taken place, no visitation or funeral by request.
Donations in Bill's memory may be made to the Palliative Care Program, Colchester Regional Hospital, 207 Willow St., Truro, N.S., B2N 5A1; the Colchester East-Hants Hospice Society, PO Box 113 RPO, Prince Street, Truro, N.S., B2N 5G9; or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Special thanks to Dr. Wood, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Bower, palliative care nurse Paula Miller, staff of VON and the Hospice Society.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Funeral Home & Crematorium, PO Box 239, Port Williams, N.S., B0P 1T0.
Donations or cards of sympathy may be sent to this address or on-line at: www.serenityfuneral.com.
"You are our rock."