Stephen Richard Martin

With heavy hearts we share news of the passing of Stephen Martin, 68, on October 11 at home in Victoria, surrounded by the love of his family.  Beloved husband of 43 years to Penny (Hogarth) Martin, devoted father of Andrew (Tiffany), Geoffrey (Lindsay) and Brian (Rachel) and fun and doting grandfather of Bruce, Teddy, Finn & Annarose; Chase, Kenley and Lainey; and Aiden. He will also be sorely missed by his sister Caroline Duncanson (Bob) of Toronto, sister in-law Wendy (Murray), and brother-in-law Doug (Lois) as well as several step in-laws, and his many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, all of whom were very dear to him. For Steve, family was first and foremost.

Steve, son of R.K. (Tim) and Laura Martin, was born and raised in Toronto and attended St. George’s College and Trinity College School in Port Hope, where he enjoyed being on football, rugby and swimming teams, and developed lifelong friends. At Queen’s University, he received a B. Com and went on to a career as a Chartered Accountant.

Steve worked at Price Waterhouse and Thompson Healthcare in Toronto. In 1993, he and his family moved to Victoria after falling in love with the Island during a family visit. In Victoria, he acted as CFO for several businesses. During his time as Diocesan Treasurer and Executive Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Vancouver Island, he worked closely with, and developed a deep respect for, the First Nations people of the island. Bringing his skills to volunteer commitments, he served on the Board of St. Michaels University School for 19 years, acting as Treasurer then Chair of the Board, overseeing some significant expansion projects. He was an active member of St Matthias Anglican Church. As Treasurer and Executive Director, he was very involved in the Roger’s Court Society, which provides affordable rental housing for seniors. He also advised on other seniors’ housing projects.

Steve and Penny embraced their new lives in Victoria. Their house was always a hive of activity, with three active boys and the frequent presence of friends, the children of friends, and the friends of children, some of whom stayed for months at a time. He was a welcoming and generous host, an excellent cook who was the life of the party. No one who attended will forget the annual New Year’s Eve parties at 1000 Terrace.

Steve spent at least part of 65 summers at the family cottage at Go Home Bay in Georgian Bay. He loved swimming, picnics, boating, and competing in (and later helping run) the annual Regattas and, of course, entertaining friends and family with boisterous dinners and games nights. His absence this last summer was sadly noted by the many who had enjoyed his presence there.

Steve was the most loyal of friends, was a larger-than-life personality, and an avid sports fan who followed his favourite teams until his last days. He was passionate about salmon fishing with friends, and sharing the bounty with others along with tall tales of capture.

Over the last year, Steve has received exceptional care from the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Department, Cardiac Care and Internal Medicine programs, Renal and Liver Care clinics at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, and the Community Health Services and Palliative Response Teams while at home. His family physician, Dr. Tim McKay, has provided exceptional support throughout. The family wishes to extend their profound thanks to all. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, directed to the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Friends are also encouraged to donate their gift of life to Canada Blood Services.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Matthias Anglican Church in Victoria, BC at 1:30 pm with a reception to follow in the church hall. There will also be a celebration at Georgian Bay, Ontario next summer.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com