Martin Reszetnik Julian

It is with great sadness that the family of Martin Julian announce his recent passing in his 70th year. Martin was a brilliant and multi-talented, loving, warm and positive human being who brought joy to everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him. Martin was a true Renaissance man whose passions bridged the entire spectrum from complex science to the most esoteric art and his life reflected that depth and breadth in its every aspect.

From being an expert craftsman with a knack for amazing carpentry and cabinetmaking to spending many years as a professional rock musician who played keyboards as well as a number of other instruments and toured Canada with a number of bands — to his final, most passionate and enduring career as an accredited CSC cinematographer and filmmaker who had to his credit productions ranging from music videos, over 400 commercials, to award-winning documentaries and films. Martin was one of those rare individuals who could do anything he applied his mind to. No mechanical or scientific problem ever defeated him and no artistic endeavour was ever left wanting more. He brought determination and an unending energy, enthusiasm and buoyancy to everything he took on. His list of projects of all kinds, let alone brilliant ideas for projects he wanted to take on, would number in the thousands.

With an ability to laugh easily and see the humour in life’s challenges and opportunities, Martin always brought a different viewpoint and a deeply thought through theory to both life’s smallest and biggest questions. He didn’t shy away from the challenges of everything from career changes to all forms of artistic expression to, later in life, reimagining his boyhood love for sailing by taking on the renovation and sailing of a dream keelboat on Lake Ontario.

It is in Martin’s love for his children Danielle (Gary), Alexandra (Eliot), Nancy (Pete) and Martin (Di); grandchildren Marshall and Hallie, Tris, Maximillion and Jessica; and great-grandchildren Neebin, Isiah and Levi – that he always shone his brightest. A huge fan of any excuse for a celebration, everyone close to him will remember his brain-surgeon-like turkey carving skills – usually while wearing huge yellow rubber gloves – and the consequent soup-making that would last for days. Martin was at his best when surrounded by his kids. He gloried in their successes and cried over their challenges. He was turned to pure love whenever they were around or there was ever a story to tell about them.

He will be deeply missed not only by his children, but also many others, including his own siblings – Angela (Derek), Michael (Bella) and Alexandra. The endless laughter and joking that was the heart of those relationships – as well as the kindness and help that each offered the other – will be a strong memory for all. Nieces Mary Ann, Angela, Jessica and Lillian also share happy childhood memories of fun times with "Uncle Marty". Martin will also be sorely missed by his large circle of friends, all of whom will remember his positivity and passion for life. He had a life-force that will be a huge loss to everyone and this world.

A private ceremony with only immediate family will be held November 17th. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.