Obituary of Theodorus Johannes Martens

Theodorus J. “Ted” Martens

August 15, 1924 - July 16, 2023

Seaview, Richmond Co.

Dad died just one month short of his 99th birthday. He lived a long and full life.  He was born in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1952. He settled with his wife Johanna in Saint Peter’s Cape Breton.  He was employed at Stora industries and worked there as a millwright until his retirement.

Dad was a second world war veteran and also served with the Dutch expeditionary forces in Indonesia. He was honourably discharged in 1950 with the rank of second Lieutenant.

Dad served on many boards and committees. He was particularly concerned about youth, healthcare and veterans and his community involvement reflected these concerns. He served as the chair of the former Richmond County School Board, president of the air cadet league of Nova Scotia, chair of the former Strait Richmond Hospital board, vice president of the former St Martha’s Regional Hospital board and was a member of the former Guysborough Antigonish Strait health authority board.

Veterans were closest to his heart. A concern that grew out of his childhood experience of encountering First World War amputees and the terrible treatment they received. He joined the Royal Canadian Legion in 1968 and eventually became the president of branch 47 in St. Peter’s. He went on to serve as the president of the Nova Scotia Nunavut command, and as the district commander of the Cape Breton district.  He also served on the Dominion Executive Council. At the time of his death, he held the honorary position of Grand president of the Nova Scotia Nunavut command.
 

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his wife, Johanna (Pepperkamp) and two infant daughters.

He is survived by his children, John (Sheila), Marina, Annalise, Theo (Pauline) and Jackie (Gary), many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Resting in the River Bourgeois Visitation Parlor, Thursday, July 20 from 1-8 pm. Funeral Mass will be offered Friday at 11 a.m. from St. John The Baptist Church, River Bourgeois with Father John Yake Officiating. Burial to follow in the Parish Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Leeside Society or Strait Richmond Palliative Care.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, St. Peter’s. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com