Obituary of Ray Martineau

Pierre Raymond Martineau

September 12, 1935 – November 18, 2023

It is with deep sadness – and profound admiration for his boundless determination and creativity – that the family of Ray Martineau announces his death in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the age of 88.

Born to Angenard Martineau and Adrienne Martineau (nee Ranger) on September 12, 1935, Raymond was a proud son of Saskatoon’s west side – growing up on Avenue F, Avenue R, and Avenue C and attending St. Mary’s, Saskatoon Technical Collegiate, and St. Paul’s High School.

An indifferent student, Ray was encouraged to pursue a university degree by his girlfriend, Mary Lou Carter. They married in 1964 when his graduation from the University of Saskatchewan College of Commerce was imminent. A long and successful career in the road building industry followed. Ray was a partner at Pounder Emulsions, a member of the Saskatchewan Road Builders Association, and a recipient of the President’s Award of Merit.

Above all, Ray was a man of principle who loved his family and his city. He volunteered for years with the Saskatoon Jazz Society, fundraising for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. He served on the board of the Mendel Art Gallery and as Chair of the Mendel Art Gallery Foundation. And he represented Saskatoon Eastview from 1986 to 1987 in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.

Raymond was predeceased by his loving wife and steadfast partner, Mary Lou Martineau, and is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne Martineau (David Kolata) and Luanne Martineau (Matt Stiegemeyer); his sister, Lorraine Kroeker; and nieces and nephews Yvette Kroeker, Margot Kroeker, Raymond Kroeker, and Andrew Kroeker.

For those who wish to remember Ray: drink a coffee, black and cold, eat some smoked sprats on burned toast with cream cheese and thick-sliced onion, and put some jazz on the turntable. Then look out the window and marvel at the magnificence of the sky, the birds, the trees, and – of course – the squirrels.

Our family thanks the friends and neighbours who supported dad – and us – after mom’s death in 2022. Special thanks to Jackie Loewen who made the practicalities of daily life possible. In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated.