George Martens was born to Cornelius and Maria Martens on May 1, 1919 in rural Saskatchewan near Aberdeen. He was the second youngest in a family of 7 boys and 2 girls. Making a living in the 1920's and 30's was very difficult. George helped his father on the farm and in his blacksmith shop. Both of his parents had passed away by the time George was 20. He lived with a couple of brothers for a while but they soon all moved on to lives on their own.
George met Margaret Klassen in Orley, Saskatchewan and was married March 30, 1943. Their family of 3 sons arrived over the next ten years. George was a man of many abilities and worked in the Tisdale Honey Plant, the Creamery and also Zorbs Bakery.
After a winter spent in Penny, B.C., then back to Saskatchewan for awhile, George bought a new 1956 Chev, packed up his family and belongings, and moved his family to Burns Lake. He worked at Pearson Lumber, eventually bough his own trucking business which he operated for a number of years and then went to work at Decker Lake Forest Products as a handy man until his retirement in 1984. He received a fishing boat and trailer as a retirement gift, and the rest is history! He loved to take Margaret, friends and family fishing and camping. The coffee pot and fresh baking was always welcoming to all who called.
After Margaret passed away on May 24, 2001, George bravely kept on baking pies and buns for the family he treasured. Late Fall of 2006, we helped George make the first of several difficult moves. He spent 2 1/2 years at Carole Cottage, 6 months in the hospital and then moved into the PInes in January of this year.
As a family we treasure the year that we have been able to enjoy Dad. The twinkle in his eye, his firm hand clasp and big smile will be wonderful memories. With loving family by his side, Dad went to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 3, 2010.
Left with fond memories are his 3 sons, Norm (Marian), Otto (Judy), Gordon (Denise), his brother Dave (Martha) and many grandchildren, great grands, nieces, nephews and many others who loving called him Grandpa George.