It looks like you are viewing this on a mobile device. Would you like to use the mobile version? No thanks.
It looks like your device can support the full version of the site. Would you like to view that instead? No thanks.
Email to a friend Tweet This Send to Facebook Share on Google+
  Login
Harry Bradley Martin
June 13, 1917 - January 2, 2012
Return to the Memorial Getting Started Administration Inbox  
Return to Getting Started  
Return to the Memorial Order a Keepsake Book  
Obituary Biography Eulogy Family Tree Life Stories Photos Media Guestbook Contribute
<div itemprop="description"> <p> Harry Bradley Martin </p> <p> Surrounded by love, Harry Bradley Martin died on January 2, 2012, after a life well and truly lived.&nbsp; He left behind a legacy of love embodied in his family &ndash; Irene, his wife of 71 years, his four children and their spouses: Bill &amp; Coral of Toronto, Bob &amp; Nancy of Peterborough, Jim &amp; Lynda of Toronto, Lynda Wheeler&nbsp; of Belleville,&nbsp; and his 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and their families who gave him such joy - Lisa &amp; Tyler Bailey (Sarah, Rachel and Hannah), Brad &amp; Dina Martin (Gordie), Suzanne &amp; Mike Stevens (Greg &amp; Emily), Steve &amp; Liz Martin (Madeleine), Scott &amp; Lisa Wheeler (Vivien), Chris &amp; Megan Martin (Braeden, Caelin &amp; Penelope), George &amp; Leqin Martin, Charlie &amp; Hayley Martin (Claire),&nbsp; Jennifer Martin &amp; Jon Lalonde, David &amp; Lesley Martin.&nbsp;&nbsp; Older brother of Douglas (deceased) (Jean) Martin and brother-in-law to Rev. Len (deceased) and Marian Pocock, uncle to Carolyn Martin, Beverley (Michael) Thompson, Susan (Alan) Carson, Paul (Kathy) Martin, Tom (Sharon) Pocock, Chris (Helga) Pocock, Steven (Penny) Pocock, Janey (Roger) Johnson. </p> <p> Harry was born in Midland, Ontario on June 13, 1917 and grew up in Toronto.&nbsp; In his late teens, he started working at the family business, The Empire Stamp Company and eventually built it into one of the largest stamp companies in North America.&nbsp; He loved the stamp business and his knowledge, honesty and integrity made him a respected and admired member of the global philatelic community.&nbsp; He met the love of his life, Irene, on a beach in Midland and six years later they were married in May, 1940.&nbsp; Together they shared a love for family, bridge, travel and new homes.&nbsp; Even after a serious stroke a few years ago, Harry&rsquo;s bridge skills never left him and he and his favourite partner, Irene, were still bidding and making grand slams at age 94.&nbsp; Together they travelled the world and always enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new things.&nbsp; When Harry&rsquo;s family was young and he and Irene were busy raising four children, he was part of an active Bridge Club and a Discussion Group, was involved at Eglinton United Church leading Scout Troops and running the Sunday School and loved being at the cottage. They made their home in North Toronto, but once the children were on their own, they tried out life in Thornhill, Belleville and Florida, making many good friends in each community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They loved hosting parties and especially loved family celebrations, like their 50th wedding anniversary, their 80th birthdays, their 70th wedding anniversary and most recently, last June, a wonderful party celebrating Empire Stamp Company&rsquo;s 70th year on Yonge Street.&nbsp; Harry had an enthusiasm for living and a keen interest in people.&nbsp; He liked ballroom dancing, played many sports, including basketball, golf and swimming, was an avid reader and enjoyed the challenges of following the stock market.&nbsp; He was a gentle gentleman who loved his family and who left them a legacy of gifts by the way he lived his life with such grace and dignity.&nbsp; We were so blessed to have had him in our lives. </p> <p> There will be a Celebration of Harry`s life on Friday, January 6, 2012 at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Visitation Centre,&nbsp; 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto (east gate entrance) at 11:00 a.m. (416-485-5572). For online condolences and funeral details, please visit www.etouch.ca </p> <p> In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorial donations being directed to the Yonge Street Mission, 306 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, M5A 2G7 (www.ysm.ca). <i> </i> </p> </div>