Obituary of John Robert Martin

As the world watched the first man walk on the moon, Ruth Martin (née Shaw) was giving birth to a special baby in Edmonton, AB. Little John Robert was named after his father, John, and his maternal grandfather, Dr. Robert Shaw. John was a smiley, happy baby, which would not surprise anyone who knew him as an adult.

 

John grew up in Edmonton, Kelowna, and Calgary. He was a proud graduate of the Transitional Vocational Program at Mount Royal College (now University), where he met fellow student Laura Bryson. They were married in 1999.

 

John had a long, successful career working as an associate at Walmart stores in Calgary, Drumheller, Airdrie and, until his passing, Strathmore. In 2022, he celebrated 25 years of service. His smile and cheerful disposition earned him a reputation as the store’s “big teddy bear.”

John leaves behind his loving wife, Laura, and her parents, Pauline and John Bryson; his mother, Ruth; brother James (Tine); sister-in-law Jennifer (Cory); nieces McKenna and Sarah; and nephews Ethan and Linus. He was predeceased by his father, John.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Happy Cat Sanctuary at www.happycatsanctuary.net/donate in John’s memory.

 

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Wheatland Funeral Home in Strathmore, AB.