July 13th, 1959 – March 18th, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we the family announce the passing of David Jeffrey Martin. Jeff peacefully left this world with his family by his side at Selkirk Hospital on March 18th, 2022, at the young age of 62, after his courageous battle with Cancer.
He will be forever missed and remembered by his best friend and Love of his life, Heather Scalisi, Mother Barbara Martin, Daughter Lindy Dranez (Derek), Stepchildren Lucas and Ainslie, Grandchildren Ava and Ryker, Brother Gary, Brother-in-law Greg Toomer and Nephew Ryan. Extended family members Joe and Gail Scalisi, Sister-in-law Susan Sigurdson (Wayne) and children, Ally, Rae, Kyle and Luke, Sister-in-law Sandra Loeppky (Mark Lanouette) children Eric, Carter and Chloe. As well as many numerous relatives and friends.
Jeff was predeceased by his Father David Martin, his Sister Cheryl Toomer and his Nephew Jeffery Toomer.
Jeff was born in Winnipeg on July 13th, 1959. He grew up in East Kildonan and Graduated from Miles Mac in 1977. Jeff found his love for sports at an early age, he especially loved hockey and football. He spent many years playing for the East End Barons where he formed lifelong friendships. At an early age Jeff learnt the value of hard work, he delivered the Tribune news paper and worked at Safeway saving up enough to buy his own 1st muscle car a 1969 Firebird. His passion for cars especially Chevy’s and dedication to hard work remained with him throughout his life.
He also found another passion – Rock Music! From Tom Petty to Judas Priest to his all-time favourite AC/DC. No one who knew Jeff will ever hear an AC/DC song without thinking of Jeff Martin. Jeff and Heather were avid concert goers and attended many Rock Festivals over the years.
Jeff and Heather took their 1st trip together to Mexico and fell in love with going on adventures together. They got bit by the travel bug and continued to travel and make beautiful memories and friendships over the years. Una Cerveza Por Favor!
Jeff worked with his father at Perth’s for many years. He was offered a position by one of his customers in the automotive industry and that is when he made the move to Pro Body Parts where he started in Sales climbing all the way up to National Distribution Manager. He was greatly respected and admired in the automotive industry, where he was affectionately named the Goat. Greatest Of All Time! When Pro was bought out, he was acquired by Can Am Wholesale Auto Glass who wanted to expand their territory further west. Many former Pro Employees followed him because of the incredible Boss he was. Jeff headed up the start up of Can Am Glass in Winnipeg where he led Can Am’s Winnipeg Branch to # 1 growth in sales.
Jeff was a remarkable man. He would always go above and beyond for everyone. From his personal friendships to his work relationships and most of all his family. Jeff was absolutely the best son a mother could have. After his fathers passing, Jeff went faithfully to visit his mother every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Jeff was a good brother to Gary and his sister Cheryl.
Heather always felt incredibly lucky that Jeff treated her like a Queen. He affectionately called her Snappy, Edna, Birdie and his girl. He always kissed her goodbye whether she was sleeping or awake when he left for work in the morning, and always kissed her hello. He always made sure to kiss her goodnight.
Jeff was a caring father who loved his children very much. We have fond memories of fishing and going to the beach and camping with Dad, listening to Rock and Roll and making up our own words for the songs, feeding the seagulls french-fries, playing football and going for Motorcycle rides. He took us on many trips over summer break and we loved spending time with him.
Jeff was a friend to many and like a brother to Al, Dick and Derrell whose friendships were so dear to him. Many knew him as the Caretaker, Preacher, JM, Junkyard Jeff or the Goat Herder.
We would like to offer our specials thanks to Dr. Ian Alexander for his incredible care and compassion to Heather and Jeff through this difficult journey. We also thank the staff at Selkirk Hospital and the Palliative care team for the wonderful care they provided.
We would like to thank everyone for their support during this time, your visits to Jeff in the hospital and at home helped both him and Heather to get through these difficult times.
Jeff leaves us with a legacy that will never be forgotten and hope that we learn from him. He was the
Greatest
Of
All
Time!
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later announced date.
Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences on Jeff’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
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My condolences Heather
Lori Schleining
Will miss you skipper !
So sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. Myself and my family have been dealing with him from Perths to pro body and beyond. He was truly a great friend. Here’s to the goat. You will be missed.
Heather I am so sorry for your loss, for you and Jeff’s family truly my deepest sympathy to you and them.
I can’t imagine the pain in your heart. No words I say or write can change how you feel. I know only some of the people jeff knew and how they spoke of him And their relationship he and you formed over the years. I did enjoy every time we did see jeff and you and the laughs we would have.
Hopefully in time the pain you feel will lessen and the memories will flow and a new memory will fill the void of pain you feel. Unti that time I am sure between family and friends will help you through the not so good days. I know we will think of you you guys often and remember the good times we shared. Take care heather and thank you jeff for being our friend and one day we will all meet again and pick up right where we left off. Love your friends the Marino’s Liz and Dino.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family and friends. Sending love and strength at this time of deep sorrow. Carol and Tim de Delley ❤️🥀
Leanne and I send our deepest sympathies to not only Heather and Jeff’s entire Family, but to all who knew Jeff. Jeff always made us feel as though being with us was the best thing that could ever happen. Over the years, We saw Jeff spread this to feeling to many people in many places. He was always a Happy and Positive presence wherever he was. The TRUEST AC/DC fan We have ever known, Jeff’s love for the Bombers was something we shared. For years, during Bomber games, Jeff and I were the most “knowledgeable” armchair analysts ever, texting none stop. This is one thing that I will miss dearly. His Love for his Family and Friends should be a lesson to all. And all anyone needed to witness was Jeff say “Edna!” and then see the the smile on his face and the way he looked at Heather to know how much Jeff Loved her. We will all miss him dearly, but he left each one of us with Great memories. Cherish them forever.
I will see you down the Road, my Brother!
Jeff, I found a friend in you the first time we met at the Dirt, you were always a very kind guy and would do anything for anyone, you will be missed, your friend always,
Andy
Jeff may you Rest In Eternal Peace, I’m so sorry you had to leave without me being able to say Goodbye, you were such a Dear Friend for all the years I’ve known you. Being introduced through our Parents and our Dads working together for Perths Dry Cleaning. I can remember weekend parties together as family friends. Then later in life you met my Beautiful Friend Heather, and we spent many times celebrating and having awesome dinners together. I’m so sad you had to leave Heather while you both were starting to Celebrate your retirement together. You will be Missed and Forever in our Hearts with Happy Memories! LOVE your friend Cathy Kabez.
Going to miss Jeff when he would visit at Beauty Bay. Always knew when he arrived cause he would drive by our place, head out the window and a big “RIDERS SUCK”.
Gonna miss that RIP Jeff….
My favourite times with Jeff were cheering on the Blue Bombers to victory and after games enjoying a few cold ones with him and heather and a few of the boys ,you will always be part of my heart,thank you so much for the wonderful memories,you will sadly missed my friend,RIP.
Having not seen Jeff for almost 40 years, I was glad we reconnected on Facebook a year ago. We went to high school together however my fondest memory is playing hockey at east end with him.
He was a great teammate and friend. My condolences to his family.
Very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing – a sweet guy that was taken too soon. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by everyone that knew him. Our sympathies to Heather and Jeff’s family.
Jim and Alison Steele
I’m sorry to hear of your loss Heather it sounds like he meant everything to you and you meant everything to him I’m really sorry
Our deepest sympathies to Heather and the family. Jeff started as a great neighbour and became a great friend. From our trip to Cuba, many Bomber games, concerts, music festivals, or Birthday celebrations, Jeff was always a class act. You will be dearly missed my friend !
Another Good not that old Curtis guy gone way too soon !
You will always live on in my heart. I cherish the moments we shared at our best and learned from the ones when we weren’t. I love you Dad “Ride On”
My heart goes out to you and your entire family. Please know that we’re thinking of you and Jeff. I find myself thinking of memories at the Old Stadium cheering on our Bombers and smiling as that is how we first met. I know nothing I say will make you feel better as you need to process and allow yourself to feel your emotions. I just wish you peace. Rest easy Jeff.
I first met Jeff when I was 15 years old, he played hockey with my brother.
Then we all hung around together, when he wasn’t working on his car,
I remember Jeff always very respectful and nice to us Elmwood girls.
Then we lost touch for many years, until he met heather my childhood friend. Then we would get together when we could and even enjoyed a couple of concerts together. Of course AC/DC!
He will be truly missed! All our love to Heather and the families.
Love,
Sherry & Conrad
James (Jim) O’Brien
The world will not be a better place without Jeff! My deepest sympathies to
Heather and the Family. Worked with Jeff at Pro Body. It was always a pleasure. Till we meet again. RIP
RIP Jeff. You will be remembered for all the good you did, all the people you touched, and loved. Heart felt condolences to Heather, family and friends.
Heather and Family
As the tears roll down your face just remember he is always there with you FOREVER..
He was a GREAT friend and was always there when I needed a favor or advice
I will miss him and the incredible laughs we had together “SOLID”
Our deepest condolences to Heather and Jeff’s family and friends. Jeff you were a
great neighbour and will be forever missed. Rest in eternal peace Jeff.