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GORDON MARTIN
Born: Oct 28, 1944
Date of Passing: May 19, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGORDON MARTIN
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Gordon Martin at the St. Boniface Hospital on May 19, 2025 at the age of 80.
Gordon (Gord) is survived by his beloved wife Joan of 52 years; brother Ron; sisters, Sheila, and Myrna; nephews, Damon Martin (Jen), Chris Zacharias (Melody); nieces, Tammy Martin-Fehr (Clayton), Bridgette Martin; sister-in-law, Joan Kehler, Cheri Kehler (Shane Barker), Lisa Batchelor (Jordon); great nieces and nephews, Emerson, Makenna, and Taryn Martin, Lynnae (Matt) and Jaymie Martin, Jessica and Cloe Zacharias, Kalem, Rylan, and Jack Batchelor, Bodhi, and Clair Barker; cherished friends, Janis and Desiree Nickel and many other close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Gertrude Martin, and sister Tessa, brother-in-law Henry Zacharias, sister-in-law Dyanne Martin, father and mothers-in-law, Ed and Margaret Kehler, brother-in-law Gary Kehler.
Gord was born in Altona. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rosenfeld where his parents lived. He grew up and attended school in Rosenfeld. He and his siblings spent much time in his parents’ restaurant / service station which was a landmark in its day. Gord’s early jobs included delivering newspapers, with Ron, on a small motorcycle, (with or without a driver’s license), hoeing beets and, once he finished school, working on a Surveyor crew.
Gord moved to Winnipeg and attended Red River College enrolling in a Refrigeration Repairs course. Once he completed his course he got his first job in repairs at Eaton’s. In the late 70s Gord started up his own refrigeration repair business, Gord’s Appliance, with his office on Chevrier Blvd. One of his favorite pastimes became going to Princess Auto to buy more tools, which he likely didn’t need. Gord’s business became a large part of his life and legacy, leaving behind numerous repeat customers drawn as much by Gord’s outgoing personality as his dependability and expertise. While investments contributed to his financial success his business remained his passion till his last days.
Joan (Kehler) has been part of Gord’s life since the1960s, first in Altona and later in Winnipeg. They got married on October 28, 1972. Gord decided that the 28th was a good day because it was his birthday so he would never forget their anniversary. They lived in Winnipeg, at various locations, for the rest of their lives. Friends will remember their days of partying, of boating adventures, Gord’s brief motorhome dreams, and many good times when their doors were open to friends and family.
Joan and Gord had no children but many pets found homes with them, notably two dogs named Munch and Wiggles and later, Penny who Joan brought home one day, much to Gord’s annoyance; Penny quickly won him over. Gord was not a demonstratively sentimental person but his reaction to pets and close friends spoke for him. This became so obvious when, after swearing to never have another pet, never bear the pain of loss, a stray cat wandered into their house when they had left the door open and captured his heart. Kitty now sleeps on Gordon's Pillow mourning his absence.
Gord has had a close bond with his brother Ron from childhood to Gord's passing. They spent many hours at Ron’s Marble Factory, Gord's shop and at his house. It was a rare week that went by without them fixing or fixating over something. For many years they enjoyed Saturday outings on their motorcycles and their passion for cars. Gord will be well remembered for driving Ron’s Excalibur at the Altona Sunflower festival, carrying festival queen contestants. In spring he could also be seen cruising around in his prized 79 Mark V Collector Series Lincoln Continental.
Gord never lost touch with his home town. He and Ron worked together on the 1996 Rosenfeld School Reunion Committee. The reunion was a great success. Gord decided to play baseball at the reunion but a leg injury reminded him that he was no longer 15. For many years Gord joined the Rosenfeld men’s breakfast group, in Winnipeg, keeping up with local events and gossip. The Elks were an important organization in the Altona area and Gord continued to be a lifetime Elks member in Winnipeg.
Gord and Joan’s home was a favorite gathering spot for family and close friends. Every Saturday we would meet, have a few drinks and discuss many things, often requiring the 10 minute timer to limit more heated discussions. We called it AAH (Attitude Adjustment hour). Some needed their attitude adjusted more than others. Gord would often wear his hat with the police badge to show that he was sheriff of the party. For many years their home was also the place to celebrate holidays like Christmas and birthdays. Gord loved hosting these events.
Gord was a kind, hardworking person with a huge sense of fun along with grand ideas and ambitions. He may be best remembered for his ability to connect with people, both young and old. He was always there for anyone that needed help. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Gord till we all meet again for Attitude Adjustment Hour.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
Gord’s ashes will be interred at the Rosenfeld cemetery. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life gathering at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2025
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I always liked Gordon. He was dreamer and a fighter. Bombastic at times but always friendly. We had many a drink together along with Joan at their home. He was generous with his booze and often helped with my appliance problems at no cost which was much appreciated at the time. As is often the case with life we lost contact except, strangely enough, often running into him at Princess Auto. The last time, which I think was about two years ago, he said that some big changes were coming in a few months. He wouldn't elaborate no matter how much I begged for an answer. I'm guessing that it was his dream of traveling in a motor home. Good by Gordon, You'll be missed. - Posted by: Thomas Young (friend) on: Jul 25, 2025
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We extend our sincere sympathy to Joan & the Martin family upon the loss of Joan’s friend & husband, Gordon. We were always grateful for the smile Gordon put on my mother Tina’s face & all the fun invitations for celebrations at Joan & Gordon’s. It was like Gordon was the apple of Tina’s eye. We will all miss him. - Posted by: Gary & Jane Nickel (Cousin & friend) on: Jul 14, 2025
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My sincere condolences to the family of Gordon Martin. I came to know Gordon through a customer connection in 1975 to 1979, I was working at the Goodyear on Pembina Highway at Jubilee, he was one of our customers. I was 16 at the time, when he came in, he was driving his cords, appliance service van with huge letters on the side. You couldn’t miss it, it was a very nice customized Ford van. You could tell he took pride in it. It really stood out. He always had a happy smile and a hello for everybody and he was very nice to me. Servicing his van part of the happy memories I have working at Goodyear. - Posted by: Brian P Kozier (Customer connection) on: Jun 24, 2025
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Truly sorry to see that Gord has passed away. He was my go to guy for my appliances for many years. I was about to contact him again to service my dishwasher when I read his obituary in the Free Press. Over the years I have also had great service with "The Marble Factory" The Martin family are all 1st class business people. Sincere condolences to Joan, Ron, Sheila and all the Martin family during this very difficult time and the days & years to come. - Posted by: Betty Lannoo (friend) on: May 27, 2025
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Gord was a true gentleman & a professional businessman - Enjoyed having the luxury of calling Gord for Sales & Service of Household Appliances for many years - reading his story supports even more that I crossed paths with a special person - my sincere condolences to Joan & Family, Leigh Young - Posted by: Leigh Young (Customer) on: May 26, 2025
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What a great story of Gord. We kind of grew up together in Rosenfeld as we were close neighbours. Gord was my first crush and Oct. 28 was also my b-day! I recall running out to the street whenever I heard a motorcycle hoping he would stop and give me a ride. When I moved to Winnipeg there were times I would get a ride with Gord back to Rosenfeld for a weekend. Those rides were always fun. Gord was Mister Hospitality. He was fun, kind and so outgoing. Being a fly on the wall would have been great at your AAH. He will be missed but never forgotten. Condolences to family - Posted by: Wendy Thiessen (Lang) (neighbour) on: May 26, 2025
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Though we never met in person, I came to know Joan and through her stories, her Gord. They sure had some happy times during their time together and I never was tired of reading about them. God Bless you Miz Joan and your family. Sending love and hugs.❤️❤️ - Posted by: Brenda Mallard (Friend) on: May 25, 2025
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Sincere condolences to Joan and the entire Martin family. Remembering Gord for his dedication to Fort Garry Elks and Fort Garry Frontier Days. Gird proved that the Maytag Repair Man was always busy, especially trying to keep our washer running when the kids were small. Remembered for many a Attitude Adjustment at Marvin' Pop Shop. RIP GORDIE - Posted by: Wally & Norma MacLeod (Friend and brother Elk) on: May 25, 2025
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My sincere condolences and prayers for you Joan, family & friends - Posted by: Phyllis Brett (friend of Joan) on: May 25, 2025
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I’m saddened to hear of Gordy’s passing. Although he was originally a friend of my older brothers, I came to appreciate Gord as a friend later in life as well. He repaired many appliances for me over the years. I always enjoyed his friendly disposition whether meeting him at Canadian Tire or at the credit union where I worked. Being part of the 1996 Rosenfeld Reunion Committee with Gord and Ron had me appreciating these brothers both for their enthusiasm, organizational skills and their love of our humble beginnings in that little village. Rest in Peace Gord. - Posted by: Herb Neufeld (Friend) on: May 24, 2025