loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and husband, on July 18, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 84 years.
Milton was born in Drumheller, raised in Rosebud, and farmed and lived in Beiseker for 60 years prior to moving to Airdrie five years ago. He loved his life as a farmer, and up until his last days always asked about the amount of rainfall and how the crops were looking. In his younger days he enjoyed curling, baseball, fishing and sausage making.
His summer sausage was a family favourite. He loved socializing, coffee mornings with the men, playing cards and beating his son-in-law at crib. Milton was an avid fan of chuckwagon races and the rodeo; camping in Ponoka and Strathmore for the live action and never missed any wagon races on television during the Calgary Stampede. He had a lifelong passion for singing and remembered his love of being on stage singing in school pageants. Later he joined numerous church choirs, and even produced a CD with the Beiseker Catholic choir group. Once karaoke became popular, there was no holding him back and he brought his machine on RV trips to Radium and down south to Needles, Ca. where a crowd always gathered to join the fun.
He brought “Karaoke evening with Milton” to Fletcher Village, which became a popular event for the seniors in his retirement community.
He is survived by daughter Peggy (Doug Bates) and son Terry; grandchildren Kelsey Bates (Jake), Jamie Goetz (Josh), Troy Bates (Mariah), Blaine Martin, and Lauren Martin; great granddaughter Sadie Goetz and cousin Jim Heine (Karen). Milton is also survived by his wife of 18 years Sandra Beagle Martin; Sandra’s family - Wendy and Neil Courtice, Kathleen Beagle; and granddaughter Jenn Beagle (Ian Willis). Milton was predeceased by his parents Gus and Elsie Martin and his first wife Marie.
Milton’s kind, loving nature and fun musical talents will be missed by all those that knew and loved him. Milton’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful compassionate staff at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary for the loving kindness and support they gave to him during his final five weeks in their care.
Although Milton would have enjoyed and big send-off party, due to the current covid 19 safety issues there will only be a small graveside service for immediate family. Messages for the family can be shared on the Fosters Garden Chapel website. A short slideshow is also available for viewing on the website.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Milton’s name can donate to Fletcher’s Village entertainment community at 305-1 ave. NW, Airdrie, Alberta. It was his wish to continue providing entertainment for his friends and neighbours.
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