MARTIN, Samuel J.

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Samuel Joseph Martin, (Sam), passed away on January 7, 2026, at Guelph General Hospital, with family by his side telling stories, reading to him, and loving him out of this life. Samuel was born November 2, 1931, in Pictou, Nova Scotia. He was the third of ten children: Toph (Jean Ecclestone, living), Jim (Susan MacCormack), Doug (Betty Langille), Calvin (Arlene Howes), Alex (living, Mary Alice Durant, also living), Donora (John Louis Thibault, living), Marguerite (living, Alvin Shea), William (Linda Hack) and Alice (James March). After completing a course in auto body repair as a young man in Nova Scotia, Sam followed his older brother, Toph, to the Guelph area. Soon after, he was hired at Pruss Auto Body. Sam married Margaret Frances Phillips on September 3, 1955, at Dublin Street Church. With Frances he ran Pruss Auto Body from 1965 until he retired in 1998. They were blessed with three children Robert, Steven and Valerie. Sam was approached to become Scoutmaster of the 2nd Guelph Scout Troop at Dublin Church and worked for 10 years in that role. After that, he served in committee roles for the scouts and at the church for many years. He and Frances were presidents of Dublin’s Couples’ Club and a regional Harmony Club, dancing to the music of local orchestras, at different times. Sam’s warmth and love of family will be much missed. Sam showed initiative from the youngest age, working shoulder to shoulder with his brothers on the farm, responsibly helping to heat the school house on winter mornings, and caring for his little sisters and brothers. Sam kept his opinions to himself, preferring to draw others out in conversation. He loved to sing, dance, tend to his beloved trees, and follow sports. Samuel’s gentle humour and listening ear will be fondly remembered by all those who had the privilege of his company. Samuel is survived by his wife, children, two of his ten siblings, Marguerite, and Alex, seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. The family wishes to express gratitude for the care and comfort offered to Sam during his hospital stays. Thank you to Doctors A. Shecter, A. Tremblay, G. Morrison and J. Martin, and Dr D. Hood (retired), at the Guelph General Hospital, and many others, and to the nurses and attendants on floor 5 West whose kindness and connection sustained Sam with grace and compassion. A service of remembrance will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00pm at Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, ON. Donations may be made to the Guelph General Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Samuel J. Martin in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.