January 21, 1933 - December 25, 2020
Eddie (Epifanio) Martins was born on January 21, 1933 in Bombay, India. He passed away peacefully at Hospice in Quesnel just before midnight, December 25, 2020 at the age of 87.
Eddie was born the 4th of 8 children. His father died when Eddie was a teenager and after completing school, Eddie moved to Tanzania where he and his older brother helped support their family back in India.
Eddie worked for Standard Charter Bank for 25 years, working his way up to a Director position. He married Ines in 1963 and they had 3 children, Renato, Grace and Tony. He was very active in sports, playing field hockey, soccer, cricket, tennis and badminton.
Eddie immigrated to Toronto, Ontario in 1974 to provide a better life for his family. He was a hard worker, initially working in the Luggage Department at Simpsons. The next 20 years were spent working for the Toronto Transit Commission before he retired in 1998.
Eddie spent 6 months in Goa, a state in India from where his family originated. He spent a few months living with each of his children, in Ottawa, Calgary and Bella Bella, before moving to Quesnel, British Columbia in November 2000.
Quesnel was a great community for him. He attended Mass daily at St. Ann's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Quesnel Seniors Center and the Golden Center, where he enjoyed activities such as playing cards, bingo, pot lucks, outings, pool, and table tennis. He was a member of the Church Choir, Knights of Columbus and the Quesnel Bell Ringers.
Eddie loved travelling with his family. He travelled extensively through Canada and the United States. He visited Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He enjoyed camping, fishing, great food, dancing and story-telling.
Unfortunately, Eddie sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2005 which left him with challenges. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease followed shortly. He resided at Dunrovin Park Lodge from October 2005 until December 2020. He continued to attend Church every Sunday, followed by Sunday lunches with is daughter Grace and her family for as long as he was able. He enjoyed regular visits with his sons, Renato and Tony, and their families.
Eddie is survived by Ines, Renato (Julia), Grace (Mel) and Tony (Renee). He was a proud grandfather to Jack, Erick, Kiernan and Julianna.
Following his head injury, Eddie made the most of his limitations. He never complained despite the slow deterioration in his health. He passed away peacefully in the late hours of Christmas night, surrounded by his children with Joy to The World playing softly in the background. We are confident that he is smiling down from
heaven.
His family is extremely grateful to the care provided by Dr. Aziz, Dr. Obanye, staff at GR Baker Hospital, Dunrovin Park Lodge and finally Quesnel Hospice.
A funeral mass was held at St. Ann's Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, followed by a beautiful graveside service officiated by Fr. Vincent.
Donations in his name can be made to Parkinson's Society British Columbia (www.parkinson.bc.ca) or Quesnel & District Palliative Care Association (www.qdhpca.org).