Malcolm Reginald Martin passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024, at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gwendoline (nee Cocking), his son Cory, daughter-in-law Lorrie, grandchildren Brent and Rachael, all of Calgary. He is also survived by his sister Pam and numerous nieces and nephews in Winnipeg.
Mal left school at 16 to support his family after his father's passing. He began an apprenticeship with a railroad in Winnipeg, where he acquired skills in carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. During the Korean War, Mal served in the RCAF as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged after the war's end, returning to complete his apprenticeship with the railroad.
In 1954, Mal met Gwen on a blind date, and they married in 1956. Mal held various roles throughout his life, including flight mechanic, where he traveled extensively with the DC3 he maintained, covering remote locations in northern Manitoba and the Territories. He later operated a snowplough at the Winnipeg airport before moving to Calgary in 1968 to co-own a gas station and serve as its head mechanic. Mal continued his career in diverse roles, including proprietor of Calgary's first wand wash car wash, a pump and compressor mechanic primarily servicing Shell stations, and finally as a school bus driver and member of the training department teaching others to drive school buses.
Mal was an enthusiastic golfer, holding memberships at St. Boniface Golf Course in Winnipeg, The Elks Golf Course in Calgary, and the Strathmore Golf Course.
Mal and Gwen moved to Strathmore in 1999 after several years of retirement in Calgary, residing there until 2022. He will be deeply missed by his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy with every encounter.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Teresa Place for their care over the past year, and to the compassionate team at Dulcina Hospice who provided comfort during his final days.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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