Martin Michael Mraz November 27, 1920 ~ December 5, 2006 It is with great sadness that the family of Martin Mraz announces his passing on December 5, 2006 after a brief illness. Martin is survived by his wife Sharon; son Louis (Oddny) Somogyi; stepsons Bill (Tina) DeNeef, Bob (Debbie) DeNeef, and Rod DeNeef; sister Betty; grandchildren Linda (Roy), Cyndie, Bev (Glen), Randy (Lisa), Laurie (Les), Holly (Rick), Debbie (Rod), Pam (Ted), and Martin; many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, wife Helen, brothers Norman, Julius, and Steve, and sister Eva. Martin's life was one of many achievements, whether in business or in his hobbies of gold panning, fishing, or collecting Ironwood in Arizona. Martin was raised in Bashaw, Alberta. He joined the Army during Wold War II and served as a courier to the front lines throughout the war. On his return, Martin settled in Vernon where he and his brother Norman set up a railway tie operation to supply CP Rail. Following this venture, he moved to Keremeos, B.C., and along with his brother, purchased the Keremeos Sawmill. After several successful years of operation, he retired and devoted much of his time towards his hobbies. As an entrepreneur he was involved in numerous successful ventures such as, Casabello Wines in Penticton, the Penticton Game Farm, and countless other ventures. His greatest loves were fishing and gold panning. Martin enjoyed a very successful life! A Memorial Service to celebrate Martin's life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 9, 2006 in the Kamloops Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Vern Frudd officiating. The family would appreciate donations in Martin's memory to the charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers. Kamloops Funeral Home 285 Fortune Drive 554-2577 Condolences may be emailed to; Sympathy@shawbiz.ca