Early on the morning of October 6th, 2015 Jacob (Jack) Martens of Chemainus, BC passed away from complications after cancer surgery, with his loving family by his side. He is now in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father.
Jack was born in Irapuato, Mexico as his family was emigrating from Russia. The family settled in Alberta and then moved to the Fraser Valley, BC. He was a ‘jack’ of all trades and always ‘young at heart’. Most of his life was spent on Vancouver Island; living in Victoria, Cobble Hill and Chemainus. In recent years Jack wintered in Desert Hot Springs at Quail Valley where he was very active and made many friends. Jack’s personality was larger than life. He had a generous spirit and shared his many talents with family, friends and those less fortunate in life. He had a ready smile, hug, joke (and glass of wine).
He is survived by his loving family, wife Ruth of Chemainus, daughters Elaine (George) Holmes of Sooke; Judy (Doug) Webb of Kamloops; and son Rob (Lori)
Martens of Crofton and their mother Martha Martens of Victoria; grandchildren Chris (Jen) Clarke, Lynn (Larry) Farrell, Scott Clarke (Doug Lee), Matt (Michelle) Webb, Jeff (Becky) Webb, Megan (Ryan) van Diemen, Jared (Adrienne) Martens, 8 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; Ruth’s children Rob (Jenn) Holownia, Sharon (Allan) Gauld and Michael Holownia and 2 grandchildren; his second wife Marlene’s children Terry (Gwen) and Neil (Susan) St. Hilaire and their children and grandchildren; sisters Margaret Reimer, Ann Enns and Susan McWhirter, nieces, nephews and special friends too numerous to mention. Predeceased by his parents Herman and Susie Martens, second wife Marlene in 2009, brother Abe and sister Mary.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on October 31, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at New Life Community Baptist Church, 1839 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan, BC.
Arrangements have been made through First Memorial Funeral Services, 375 Brae Road, Duncan, BC. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Jack’s memory.