Almost a year after a diagnosis of end stage liver disease, Gary died of heart complications. Mercifully, death came quickly.
Gary was predeceased by his father, Cecil Richard Martin and is survived by his wife, Carol (nee Scott); sons, Jason Beaver (Lisa Jones), Joel Martinflatt (Ashleigh) and daughter, Andrea (Grant Hill) as well as grandchildren, Josh and Sam Beaver and Sumalee and Jachai Martinflatt. He is also survived by his mother, Estrid; sisters, Kathleen (Bob Rosicki), Joyce Martin and brother, Mike Martin (Kim); nephew, Craig and one uncle and many aunts and cousins. He will also be missed by his beloved dogs, Fionn and Irish.
Gary proudly described himself as a curmudgeon but those who knew him saw a generous and a big heart.
Gary expressed his love for his family by cooking. He was known as an excellent chef and particularly loved cooking Italian and Indian food. Gatherings of family and friends benefited from his culinary skills. At Christmas time, knowing the rapid progression of his illness, each family member wrote a letter expressing their love and appreciation. He kept those notes and letters and often reread them.
Gary worked hard to make the lives of people better.
Gary grew up in Trail BC, attended Selkirk College and the University of Victoria where he did research and graduate work. He joined the Provincial Government in 1975 and retired in 2006. He chose to work in the public service believing that work for Government was a big arena to serve others. Helping shape public policy was a calling and he loved it. This passion for service inspired others. When Gary became ill, he heard from many people how much his support had meant in developing their careers.
Throughout his life he was very involved in church activities, firmly believing that the way to serve God and the community was to serve His people. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Elementary School Board, The St. Andrews Regional High School Building Committee and an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Anne.
Gary was a Roman Catholic but believed very strongly in an ecumenical approach to service. When he retired from Government, he volunteered with the Oak Bay United Church Thrift Shop, working to provide household goods, clothing and furniture to the less fortunate. He loved working with the “outdoor crew” and enjoyed the regulars who came to shop and the pickups and deliveries that he and Don, Bob and Bill made all over the city.
He was also the treasurer of the Victoria Refugee Initiative, a combined effort of St Aidan’s United Church, Oak Bay United Church and the Masjid Al-Iman Mosque. At the end of his life, he was working still to carry on and expand the work with refugees.
In keeping with his ecumenical focus, Gary has requested a funeral service that includes Catholic and Protestant traditions. The service will be held at Oak Bay United Church on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11 am. A reception will follow in the church community hall.
The family is grateful to all in the health care system who cared so well for Gary especially Doctors Allan Leslie, Rohit Pai and Ken Yvorchuk and their staff.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a service charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com