Obituary of Donald Gordon Martin

Donald Gordon Martin passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2024, in his 64th year with his family by his side at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Donald was preceded in death by his wife Jane Leguee. He was survived by his parents Gordon and Donna Martin, and brother and sister-in-law to David and Maryann Martin, along with many extended families of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Growing up on the Martin farm meant that Don was able to discover hard work ethic and strong family ties early on in his life as he worked alongside his family learning the ins and outs of dairy and apple farming. Growing up on the farm allowed him the privilege to be surrounded by many different animals, especially kittens and cats. There were even times where Don tried to sneak kittens into the family home and his mother (Donna) had to constantly escort them back to the barn. As he grew up his love for animals grew stronger. Don and Jane owned and cared for birds, cats, dogs, fish and more. Even in his last days his emotional connection with animals was prevalent, this speaks to his kind nature and loving personality.

Don was always a person who enjoyed building things; taking them apart and putting them back together came natural to him. He was a certified diesel mechanic at age 20; he transferred this knowledge into driving truck and trailer where he was able to travel all over Canada. He also shared a passion for motorcycles.

In his later years Don discovered his love and passion for clocks and pocket watches. He would spend hours taking timepieces apart, cleaning them and restoring life to old treasures. His ability to turn something antique and forgotten into a restored piece of utility and beauty should not be overlooked. Clock smiths are known for their attention to detail, extreme dexterity, and a welldeveloped sense of touch. Don was lucky to discover this craft in his lifetime. Time is one of the only infinite things in this world, trees come and go, feelings pass, but time is forever. Don was a gardener of infinite time and in his passing, unbeknownst to him, he left us all a fragment of time with him through his collection.

The Martin family wants to sincerely thank the doctors at the St. Joseph’s Hospital, for their unwavering care in the last weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Binbrook United Church  or the Canadian Lung Association  would be greatly appreciated. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of his Life will be held on April 10th at 1:00 p.m., at the Binbrook United Church Cemetery, located on the corner of Hwy. 56 and Cemetery Rd, Binbrook.