Reverend Donald L. Martin
1922 - 2001
Reverend Donald Leslie Martin passed away on December 17, 2001 at the age of 79. He is survived by daughter Linda Paris of Comox, BC, son Jim Martin (Janine) of Comox, BC and son David Martin (Nicole) of Edmonton, AB. As well six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Harris Martin and sister Corthell Tucker. He is predeceased by his loving wife Helen, brothers: Jim and Jack, and sister Marie. Don was ordained in 1948 and married Helen Watson Nicholson upon her graduation, May 1949. He served at numerous churches in Nova Scotia before entering Military Service in 1958, where he served as a chaplain until his retirement in Comox, BC in 1977. During his military career, he served at various locations from coast to coast within Canada, as well as spending three years in West Germany and six months in the Belgian Congo. Don was the founding pastor of the Comox Baptist Church where he ministered for twelve years before retiring (again) in 1989. He worked tirelessly for the good of others, serving on the Board of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox Valley Homemakers, Glacier View Lodge and was a member of the Courtenay Rotary Club since 1984 with perfect attendance.
He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge since 1954, holding various positions including:
¥ Past Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and the Yukon
¥ Grand Chaplain Emeritus, Royal Arch Masons of the Grand Chapter of British Columbia and Yukon
¥ Chaplain, Alpha Council,Cryptic Rite Masons Royal and Select Masters of Western Canada
¥ Right Eminent Knight, Past Grand Chaplain, Sovereign Great Priory of Canada
¥ Past Most Puissant Sovereign, Western Canada Conclave #25, Red Cross of Constantine, on the Roll of the Grand Imperial Council of Scotland
Don was laid to rest with wife Helen on December 21, 2001 at the Courtenay Mission Hill Cemetery. A Memorial Service attended by his family and many friends was held at the Comox Presbyterian Church, officiated by his Pastor D’Arcy Lade. He will be sadly missed and remain forever in the hearts of his loving family and friends.