Ernest "Ernie" Frederick Martin

Ernest (Ernie) Martin 1931-2022

Peacefully at Muskoka Landing on Sunday, March 6, 2022, Ernie passed away just short of his 91st birthday. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 69 years, Jeanette June (nee Smusiak).  Loving father of Donna (Rick) Sidey, Debbie (Steve) Bradley and Dianne (John) Terry.  Cherished grandfather of Pamela (Patrick), Alexandra, Richard, Stefanie, Dustin (Nicole), Chris (Chelsey), Caitlin and great grandfather to Teddy, Willa, Riley, Leah, Mya and Brooks.  Dear brother of Donald, Gordon and Patricia, and predeceased by his siblings Bill, Jack, Lillian and Edith.

Ernie was active in the community and nothing made him happier than to make people laugh with his jokes.  He spent many years active in stock car racing and announcing (CNE, Pinecrest, Sunset and Barrie Speedways), snowmobiling, and restoring his prized ’56 Meteor Niagara. Over the years Ernie also came to love watching his grandchildren play hockey and cheering them on in the rinks.

Ernie had a long career at The Toronto Star, retiring after 25 years as a Circulation Manager.

Formerly of Brampton, Ernie was involved in the community, serving as Alderman in the inaugural years of the City of Brampton council and also on the Brampton Hydro Commission. Ernie was proud of his active involvement over many years with Big Brothers of Peel.

After spending 25 years at the family cottage on Lake of Bays in Dwight, Ernie retired there and continued with extensive involvement in the community. He continued to be an active driver for the Canadian Cancer Society. He was passionate about running snowmobile drag races and Kitty Kat rides at the local Dwight and Dorset Winter Carnivals. He was delighted to have his grandchildren play for Martin’s Meteors in the Dwight Minor Baseball League.  Ernie was a member of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion and Doric Masonic Lodge.

The family would like to thank the staff at Muskoka Landing for the exceptional and loving care provided.

Friends and family will be received at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 6-8 p.m.  The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 1 p.m.  Reception following service. Live streaming will also be available for those unable to attend.  Please visit Ernie's memorial page to register for the live streaming in the service section.

For those who wish to remember Ernie in a special way, donations can be made to Muskoka Seniors (www.muskokaseniors.org/donate).

PLEASE NOTE:  In keeping with restrictions mandated by the Province of Ontario and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, facial covering and social distancing of 2 metres will be strictly adhered to.