Obituary of Harold Bruce Martinson

Harold Bruce Martinson

December 17, 1931  -  February 4, 2021

It is with sadness the family announces that the peaceful passing of Harold Bruce Martinson occurred on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Royal University Hospital. Harold was predeceased by his parents Helgie and Bertha Martinson and his first wife, Lillian in August of 2001. Harold is survived by two daughters and their families; Penny Colman (Ruben Kleinsasser) of Warman, and Cheryl (Dave) Fisher of Ottawa; four grandsons, Christopher Marchildon (Becca Petrovich) of Saskatoon, Kurtyss Marchildon (Tessa Lovset) of Kelowna, Baron (Siglinde) Knihnitski of Okotoks, Rylan Fisher of Ottawa, two grand-daughters Robyn Fisher of Toronto and Rachelle Fisher of Ottawa, four great-grandsons Elijah Shellenberg of Chilliwack, William, Nathan and James Knihnitski of Okotoks, one brother Herb (Dorothy) Martinson of Vancouver as well as numerous  nieces and nephews.

Harold met Ruth Bond and they were married on August 15, 2004 and Harold’s family circle grew to include five step-daughters and their families; Kathy Bond of Saskatoon, Ruth (Don) Parenteau of Saskatoon, Fran (Bob) Nutter of Saskatoon, Barb (Trevor) Cross of Saskatoon, Bonnie (Al Duhaime) Bond of Saskatoon as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Sadly step-daughter Fran Nutter passed away in May of 2020.   Harold and Ruth enjoyed traveling in their motor home, taking many road trips to many locations across Canada and the United States, but later began flying to get to their favorite destinations which included Florida, Panama, Hawaii, and their travels together also included several cruises, always meeting so many nice people and friends on all of their trips.

Harold was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended school there in the St. James area.    At a young age Harold was a Cadet/Militia with Grenadier Cadets in Winnipeg and was one of the first Cadets to attend the Banff National Cadet Camp in 1948. He worked at various jobs including ASL Paving, STC and Greyhound bus transportation, SOO Motorways and prior to retirement as a Storesman at Potash Company of America. Harold was a masonic member of the A.F.&A.M. Dundurn Lodge #117, the Saskatoon Shrine Club and the Clown Unit, a member of the Army Cadet League of Saskatchewan, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63, Independent Order of Foresters, United Services Institute (USI) and a Commanding Officer with 328 Royal Canadian Medical Cadet Corps in Saskatoon. Many will remember Harold for his tireless work with the Poppy Fund on Broadway Ave, and the delight he brought to the Children’s ward at the hospital as Martey the clown.

Harold’s family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. A Johnson, the Palliative Care Ward, palliative care senior nurse Shelly, social worker Kendra, all the Nurses, LPN’s and CCA’s for all the excellent and compassionate care provided to Harold.

For those so wishing memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 63

Friends are invited to join the family to share Remembrances and Celebrate Harold’s life on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 2:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion # 63 (606 Spadina Cres. West). A private family committal service will take place earlier that day incorporating Legion and Masonic Rites.