MARTIN, Ronald Alan Who was born on November 28, 1921 at Scott, Saskatchewan, died in Victoria on Sunday, December 3, 2006, the end of a life lived well. He is survived by his dear wife, Alice, to whom he was married for 64 years; two sons, Michael (Pam), Nanaimo, and Tom (Lana), Squamish; and grandchildren Tom, Mickel, Michael and Nathanial. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Zena Martin, his eldest sister, Lucy, and his brothers, John and James. He is survived by his sister Jean Barker (Wilson), Wilkie, Saskatchewan. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Pearl Godefroy, Vancouver, and Patricia (Gerry) Neely, Victoria; and numerous nephews and nieces. A special thanks to nephew Bob (Mary) Johnson, Victoria, to whom the family is grateful for the help he gave so willingly during Ronald’s illness. Ron came to Victoria in 1940 and he and Alice were married in 1942. He enlisted in the Army and after demobilization, they returned to live and raise their family in Victoria. He was a bus driver with BC Electric and then BC Transit. Ron was recognized in 1982 for having driven more than 1,000,000 accident-free miles, and retired in 1983. For a number of years he conducted bus tours of tourists each summer through Butchart Gardens. He was an avid gardener and his knowledge of the flowers, shrubs and trees, together with his sense of humour, made him a favourite of both the tourists and staff at the gardens. This led to his being selected to mentor the new seasonal drivers hired each summer, many of them university students. After Ron’s retirement, he and Alice spent three months yearly in their condo in Hawaii, where Ron played golf with a fluctuating group of snowbird golfers. He was a member of the Elks for a number of years, serving as treasurer and helping with other members to organize the annual Victoria Day parade. Ron’s family was his life, and although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. A private family service will be held. No flowers by request. If desired, donations in Ronald’s name may be made to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, 4480 0ak St, Room B321, Vancouver, V6H 3V4, or the charity of your choice.
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