Obituary of Robert MacDonald Martin

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert “Bob” MacDonald Martin of Alma, NS, share news of his passing, on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93.

Born in Glace Bay, Bob was the son of John and Flora (MacDonald) Martin.

Bob graduated from Acadia University in 1948, and built a successful career with AC Nielsen before opening a furniture store with his wife Ruth in British Columbia. In the early eighties, they moved back to the family farm in Alma, and Bob worked at Schwartz Furniture until he retired.

He and Ruth enjoyed a quiet, rural life with their beloved pets. Bob or “Papa” was known in the community as the man who walked his dog along Alma Road every day.

A kind and gentle man, he used his unique sense of humor to make those around him laugh and smile even in his final days. A loving husband, father and Papa, his “girls” were his world.

Bob was predeceased by the love of his life, Ruth Martin (Christensen), and his big sister Eleanor MacDonald.

He leaves behind his daughter Debby Thomas of Alma; son Ron Christensen (Irene) of Alma; granddaughter Jackie (Denis); granddaughter Sam (Brian); grandson Karl (Elaine); grandson Dale (Aaron); and great-grandchildren Emily, Kara, Penny, Casey and Shay, along with Baby Landsberg due to arrive this spring.

The family would like to thank Bob’s medical team at the Aberdeen Hospital during his short hospital stay, as well as the physicians who helped him to live an active and healthy life.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. He would prefer to be remembered with a smile rather than tears. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Earth ARC Horse Rescue or the SPCA.