March 1, 1934 - August 10, 2024
Joseph William (Bill) Martin of Chilliwack, BC passed away August 10th after a long and fulfilling life.
Bill was born March 1, 1934, Summerside, Prince Edward Island. At the age of 12 he got on his bicycle and began working his way west. He ended his journey in Gladstone, Manitoba where at the age of 17 he met and married the love of his life Betty in 1951. They were married for 66 years when Betty passed away in 2017.
Bill moved his family to Chilliwack from Gladstone, Manitoba in 1955 when he joined the army. Upon retiring from the army, he bought a chicken farm and was a busy egg producer for many years. Bill's passion was heavy equipment and he was especially fond of John Deeres. He spent many years teaching and operating heavy equipment both in his own business, Martin's Excavating and then many years with Span Valley. He worked occasionally in the summer operating heavy equipment right up until the age of 87
Bill and Betty also managed Vedder River Campground and then Chilliwack RV Park where they made some lifelong friends and memories.
Bill loved the outdoors and spent many years camping and traveling in the motorhome with Betty and then later with his family. They made many trips to Manitoba to visit family there. Bill was a passionate woodworker and we still have many pieces of furniture that he built in his workshop with his partner Dick. He lived on a son's property where he could be seen at any time riding around on the lawnmower or pulling the lawnmower out of the ditch. He loved his time outside and did this right until he was hospitalized after a fall.
Bill was predeceased in 2017 by his wife Betty and in 2020 by his son in law Randy. He leaves behind his children Patsy Melenchuk, Robert (Sue) Martin, Barbara (Danny) Friesen and Michael Martin, eight cherished grandchildren, their spouses, twelve great grandchildren and his extended family in Manitoba.
Family and extended family from near and far gathered in March to celebrate Bill's 90th birthday. It was a wonderful celebration of a long life lived to the fullest.
No service as per Bill's request. The family will hold a private celebration of life to honor Bill at a later date.