Mr. Thomas Andrew Martin

March 2, 1933 —- June 11, 2023

On Sunday June 11th, 2023, Thomas ( Tommy, Tom) passed away peacefully in Kamloops at the age of 90.

Tom was born the youngest of five, in London Ontario, to Angelina and Thomas Martin in their home. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings as well as his sweetheart and wife Shirley Joan,,, and is now enjoying a well deserved rum and coke on the eternal 19th hole with his beloved Shirl. Tom is survived by his children Tom (Kate) Martin, Glen (Sandy) Martin, Sandra Martin (Paul Weir), and grandchildren Sean, Chris (Jenny) Martin, and Graham Martin; and Taylor (Sarah) Kilmartin, Houston (Rosanne) Kilmartin as well as his great grandchildren Clara, Cooper, Oscar, and Frankie.

Tommy moved to Vancouver as a small child and attended school in the West End. He later become a fixture in the Vancouver Sun's Circulation Department responsible for distributing newspapers to vendors and paperboys. Tom in his teens was a very proud Air Force Cadet and instructor and later in his teens joined the business world at Atherton's Insurance Agency on Cambie st. During this time he met his lifelong companion and sweetheart Shirley MacKenzie, married in 1954 they, together, had three children. In 1965 the young family packed up and moved to Kamloops where he eventually partnered with Ken McDermid to form Martin and McDermid insurance Agency later passing the torch on to his son Glen and partner Rick Frost.

Tommy was an avid (some would say rabid) golfer. He held positions in the B.C. Golf Association, as well as being President of the Kamloops Golf and Country Club, and Charter President of Rivershore Golf and Country Club. In their early retirement Tom and Shirley spent many winters in Palm Desert, always phoning home when they played their hundredth game.

The Gyro Friendship Club was a large part of Dad's life. He and Mom spent many weekends on the road at Gyro events in the US and Canada. He was a Lifetime Member of Gyro International, a Past President of Kamloops Gyro, and Past District Governor of District Four which spanned the US-Canada border. He and Mom had many good lifetime friends in his Gyro family and always held them close to his heart.

Although the last few years took some of Dad's communication skills away he always had a twinkle in his eyes when family walked into his room or had the opportunity to FaceTime with him. He always remembered how to laugh.

It is with deep emotion that we bid farewell to Dad, we will all miss the get togethers and family dinners of which he loved.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the caregivers and staff at Gemstone Care Centre for making Dad's last home so welcoming and comfortable for him.

There will be a Family Celebration of Life in the future.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in Kamloops.