MARTENS, Roger William

Passed away peacefully at home with family on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the age of 85. Roger will be dearly missed by the love of his life, Donna (nee Brooks), of 64 years. Adored father of Sandra (Steven) Gabryelski and the late Philip Martens. Proud Poppa of Preston (Brittany), Ryan, Travis, Beth and Ben. Dear brother of Loretta (Ed) Fenwick and Dianne Luciow. Brother-in-law of Kathleen Brooks. Also survived my many nieces, nephews and cousins. Will be sadly missed by his furry companion Coal. Roger was born March 23, 1937 in Mitchell, Ontario.  He grew up in St. Catharines. Roger excelled in Track and Field. He started work at Newman Brothers Ltd. at age 14 as a water boy and later on became a licensed carpenter, progressed to an estimator, then a supervisor and eventually became president of the company. Roger retired in 2002.  Throughout his life, Roger had a passion for hunting, fishing, gardening, horses, old movies and love songs. Roger’s favourite car was a ’53 Ford. He took Donna for many romantic drives. Roger and Donna enjoyed winters at their farm in North Carolina attending Field Trials as he was an accomplished Field Trial Dog Trainer breeding English Pointers, achieving many championships.  Roger was fearless, generous and a loving family man. He also loved to spend his spare time cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. We would like to thank the PSW’s, Sue and Michelle, for their kindness and compassion. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, March 19, 2022 at 1:30 p.m at Pleasantview Funeral Home. Burial followed at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Charity of one’s choice. Please share your condolences, photos and memories at www.pleasantviewcemetery.ca