STELLARTON - Joseph "Earl" Martin, 82, Claremont Ave., Stellarton, passed away at the Aberdeen Hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones April 20, 2007. Born in Trenton, NS, on January 3, 1925, he was the son of the late Ernest Lyman Martin and Sarah Gertrude (Baird) Martin. Earl received his schooling in Trenton. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Merchant Marines WW II. Returning home he met and married his beloved wife of 35 years Irene Olive Moffat, they settled in Stellarton where they raised their five children. Earl was employed with the Pictou Co. Power Board as a linesman and later held the position as District Supervisor for Nova Scotia Power until his retirement in 1985. He served on the Stellarton Fire Department for 35 years where he held office of Deputy Chief for 22 years. He was a member of Branch 28 Royal Canadian Legion, Stellarton, Admiral Murray RCN Association, Canadian Merchant Marines Naval Association, RCAF # 110 Stellarton, Keith Masonic Lodge # 23 Stellarton, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, 50 year member of Maple Leaf Lodge Knights of Pythias, Westville, Stellarton Curling Club and First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton. When Earl wasn't active in the community he could be found with his family at the cottage he so loved on Caribou Island, "His Home Away From Home". Earl is survived by his five children: Ernie (Theresa) Martin and daughter Kimberley, Owen (Carol) Martin and sons Troy and Darren; John Kay (Margaret) Martin and children Johnna, Alexka, Marla, Joseph, Monica, Therese; Earla (Stan) Mayich and sons Stanley and Jeffrey; Cecil (Kenda) Martin and children John, Christene, Katherine, Sarah; all of Stellarton,13 great-grandchildren; sister Isabel Martin, Stellarton; good friend Carrie Higgins, Stellarton. Earl was predeceased by his wife, Irene Olive Moffat, brother, John Fredrick, granddaughters, Pamela and Amanda Mayich. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm Monday in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton, with Rev. Charles McPherson officiating. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or First Presbyterian Church, Stellarton.