David Robert Marten

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David (Dave) Marten on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Beloved husband of the late Jeanne Marten (nee Robinson).  Wonderful father to Debra Godin-Bondi (Joe), Robin Macdonald (John) and Ian Marten (Kimmie).  Grandfather to Jason (Melissa), Kate (John), and Lucas (Jacky) Godin, Jennifer (Reg) McLennan Brown and Cathy (Evan) McLennan Dumont, Connor and Julia Marten, Zach Zeedyk, Justin (Ashlyn) Zeedyk and Jocelin (Drew) North.  Great-grandfather/Papa Dave to Jaydan and Bayley Brown, Brooke and Kealey Dumont, Berkley and Jake Godin, Lucas Camuso, Rory Godin, Ava, Noah and Piper North, Stetson and Hollins Zeedyk.

Son of Jack and Elsie Marten (deceased).  Brother to Mary (deceased), Bill (deceased), Laurie (deceased), Philip (deceased), James.

Dad had a varied career, working among some, on the railroad, as a milkman, and as a delivery driver for Canada Packers.  He switched careers to running Barrie Bowlerama in the Wellington Plaza in Barrie.  Mom and Dad relocated to small time life again when they later moved to Grimsby and ran the bowling alley there.  After that portion of their life, Dad went to work for a courier company, working out of Burlington, Ontario and traveling to many areas of the United States and Ontario/Quebec.  His stories of life on the road were many, and he was blessed to be safely home after all his journeys.  His monumental memory for streets and directions earned him the nickname of “GPS Dave” …if you needed directions to get somewhere, you could just give him the address and he would send you on your way, guaranteed to arrive at your destination!  He managed to keep this up into his early 90’s, surprising everyone as he was no longer driving.  He switched careers yet again, delivering pizza for Pizza Hut from age 86 – 90!  Deadly as a Scrabble and cribbage player, he kept his opponents on their toes, often winning the day from Deb and our lovely VON help, Michelle.

Losing our mother seemed to take the steam out of his sails.  Dad and Mom were married for life, and he never forgot that, remaining single after Mom passed July 22, 1994, and living with family as the years flew by.  His favourite pastime was horseracing, and he was genuinely lucky.  He was the gentlest of gentlemen, never complained and never a harsh word for anyone…unless, of course, the jockey riding THAT horse made an error and didn’t cross the finish line!  His later years were spent somewhat quietly after a fall, which resulted in a hip injury that progressively took away his steam.

We have been lucky to have such a great guy as a father.  Many tears have been shed, memories have been shared, and wonderful, caring expressions from friends and family far and wide have been received.  We would like to sincerely thank Dr. Chris Gall and Laura for his excellent care, to Dr. Joshua Yuen for stepping into that care zone and as always, the exceptional Michelle of the VON for her companionship to dad in the time she spent with him; Dr. Michael McConvey and the staff at Woods Park for their care over the last 3 months.

When you have a great father, they become a great grandfather and we are all lucky in that this is so true.

As per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held in the fall of this year.