James Walter Martin
M.D., FRCSC

"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity."
-Hippocrates

Born on April 27, 1927 in Edmonton, Alberta, James Walter Martin passed away on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. In between he lived a full life that enriched the lives of others -- as a husband, father, and physician.

Walter's earliest memory was of heading east by rail, as his family sought a new beginning during the Great Depression. They settled in London, Ontario, and although Walter enjoyed a happy childhood, he never forgot the difficulties of his earliest years. He grew up to be a talented athlete (especially on the baseball diamond), spent long, carefree summers at the family cottage in Port Stanley, and discovered a love of learning that was nourished at local Catholic schools. Above all, he excelled in science, and while pursuing his undergraduate degree he decided on a career in medicine. In1954 he graduated from the University of Western Ontario as an M.D.

Walter interned in Buffalo N.Y., where he spent six years training to be a surgeon. He then returned home, to join the medical staff at the newly opened Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. From general surgeon he progressed to chief of surgery, and ultimately became the Hospital's medical director -- a position which was a source of never-ending pride to his family. Walter loved surgery; for him it was a calling. He was known for his excellent bedside manner, and he made it a point to always advise younger doctors he was mentoring not to stand when meeting with patients who were in bed, but to pull up a chair and sit next to them. He even brought his profession into his home, carefully and expertly repairing the missing noses and torn ears of stuffed toys that his adoring children would bring him for care. More than anything, however, Walter made every effort to reassure anxious patients and their loved ones that they were in good hands -- which indeed they were. He retired in 2000, but he continued his association with the Joseph Brant by assisting younger surgeons until 2010.

Walter was an avid skier and hockey player, enjoyed travelling to Europe, and spent countless summers at the family cottage in Muskoka. He had a prodigious appetite for reading, and he commanded an impressive knowledge of Canadian and military history. His greatest achievement, however, was his family. Together with his dedicated wife Jane he raised five daughters: Mary (Laforet) , Pamela (Tower), Victoria (d. 2005), Julie (Aterman) and Wendy. They provided him not only with comfort throughout his life, but also with seven grandchildren: Samantha, James, and Bronwyn Laforet; Jason and Janine Martin; and Hadley and Jackson Aterman. He was predeceased by his brother Richard and his sister Joan.

The family wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to Jan Aylsworth, Mary Cogan, Rob Blair, Lee Gardner, and Greg Roy -- Walter's friends at the cottage, whose kindness and compassion made his final summers comfortable and blissful. Sincere gratitude also to Dr. Iaboni, Dr. Tazkarji, Cecelia Marshall, and the rest of the staff at Toronto Rehab, whose exquisite care of Walter in his last months was a gift beyond measure.

In light of current circumstances, the family will be holding a funeral at a later date; please send an e-mail to dr.jwm.md@gmail.com to receive an invitation. Messages of condolences are welcome at this web site. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Doctors Without Borders, whose humanitarian mission embodies Walter's lifelong commitment to helping others.