Obituaries: Tom Martin

April 6, 2025

2 minutes read

1944 ~ 2024 (age 80)

Richard Thomas Martin, 80, of Eston, passed away peacefully on September 30th with his family by his side. He was born on March 28,1944 to Joe and Kay (McCloskey) Martin in Eston, the fifth of nine children.

Tom was an accomplished amateur athlete, having success playing hockey and baseball in his youth. He played on a provincial juvenile championship team for baseball and played senior baseball with the Eston Ramblers. Tom also enjoyed golf in his later years. Once, after being acknowledged for a great shot at the tee box, he removed a cigarette from his mouth long enough to declare, “I’m an athlete, you know!”

Big T was a colourful character who was known to be a jokester with a big heart. He was well known in the community, and many have shared stories of special memories about Tom where he was especially attentive or considerate.

Besides a short stint working in northern Alberta, Tom spent his life working in Eston. He farmed and spent his winters doing odd jobs, until in 2013 Tom sowed and harvested his last crop. After he retired, he spent his time travelling and golfing with his brothers and friends.

Tom was predeceased by his parents Joe and Kay Martin, his brother James and his nephew, Misha. Tom is survived by his siblings: Claire (Al), Joe (Mariellen), Judi, Gerry (Jane), Susan, Michael (Grace), and Dennis (Lois). Tom also is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews, eleven great nieces and nephews, and one great great niece who all loved him well.

We are so grateful for the staff and residents from Jubilee Lodge, which was Tom’s home for his last years. He was the trusted assistant when it was time for afternoon refreshments and was always present when there were any musical activities. The staff were wonderful to him, and he found friendships with the other residents.

We will celebrate Tom’s life at 2pm on April 19th at the Wheatland Plus 50 in Eston. If you are able to attend, please wear your most fun hat and a sports jersey. Sports entertained Tom his whole life, and music, dancing and hats brought him joy in his last years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eston Jubilee Lodge (see details below).

Services
Celebration of Life
Saturday
April 19, 2025
2:00 PM
Eston Plus 50 (Eston)

Donations
Eston Jubilee Lodge (make cheques payable to heartland health)
Box 667, Eston SK S0L 1A0
Tel: 1-306-962-3215

Make Cheques Payable to Heartland Health Region