June 6, 1942 - June 28, 2021
The family of Richard David Martens are so very sad to announce his passing on June 28th, in the arms of his loving wife of 56 years Ollie Martens.
Our dad is survived by his ive children and their families: Tamara and Earl Erickson; Trent and Heather Martens; Taryn and David Carnes; Trenisa and Rupert Durfeld; Tyler and Holly Martens.
As well as his nine grandchildren: Justin Erickson (Brayden); Megan Hauk (Jayson); Benno Durfeld; Giulianna Durfeld; Vittoria Durfeld; Garrett Martens; Cass Carnes; Nate Carnes; Joy Martens. Two step grandchildren: Dorion and Laura Strang.
And his two great-grandchildren: Hunter and Liam Hauk.
Richard was born in Lestock, SK, on June 6, 1942 to Jake and Margaret Martens.
He was a younger brother for his sister Darlene. When he was around three years old the family moved to Decker Lake, a small community just outside of Burns Lake. Eight years later, they welcomed their younger brother Ed.
Growing up in the North was a perfect fit for his love of skiing and ski jumping. He was even known to build his own massive jumps. One of his favourite stories was recounting his famous ski jump at Gross Mountain. It was a senior jump and he was underage.
He was quite the prankster and told the story of when he was fifteen and driving a logging truck he would wave to the local police. Weren't they surprised when he signed up for his driver's license test the following season? He would also honk his horn at the Principal of the local high school as he drove by while skipping class to drive the big trucks.
Adventure was calling and off he went to Vancouver to join the Canadian Army.
He was a teletype operator for the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry. He was stationed in Winnipeg where he met his beautiful bride. He brought her home to Decker Lake and they were married on January 30, 1965.
By 1970 the family had grown to include four children. The family relocated to Williams Lake where the fifth and final child was born in 1977.
Richard held various jobs throughout his life. He ran heavy equipment and spent the last portion of his working life at the P&T Mill, which eventually became known Tolko. He retired there after twenty-six years.
He spent his retirement in the service of others. He and Ollie enjoyed gardening, cooking, visiting their children and charity work. He loved to cook even as a young child. If dinner wasn't started when he got home he would start cooking, and much to his Mother's chagrin, he would leave a terrible mess!
His passion and zest for cooking never left him. It was their combined hobby that saw them utilize this talent for their charity work and their catering. Their soups were known and loved by the hungry and homeless of Williams Lake. He was the maker of the bread! And it was fabulous!!
He loved his family and his grandchildren. One of his favourite sayings was that if he knew how much love and fun grandchildren were, he would have had them first.
He was very proud of his family and loved them unconditionally.
Boisterous, contagious and infectious was his laughter - it will be forever missed.
We love you Dad.... Rest in peace.