Obituary of John Henry Martell, New Victoria

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of John Henry Martell, announce his passing on August 7, 2021 at the An Cala Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anita (nee McSween); daughters, Marlene (Carlo), Carla (Greg), Denise (Jerry), Sharon (Alex); his son, John Jr. (Tanya) and Brenda who was like a daughter to them. He is also survived by grandchildren, Cynthia, Christina, Josh, Evan, Chelsey, Zachary, Michael, Tyler, Jeremy, Patrick, Nicholas and great-grandchildren, Ben, Grace, Freya and Olivia. John is survived by sisters, Arlene, Maverene, Bernita; brother, Gerald and sister-in-law, Bev. He was predeceased by parents, Henry and Bonnie; brothers, Gordon and Dennis; son-in-law, Derek and many brothers and sisters-in-law. John’s official career included working for Sydney Steel Corp and running his own auto body repair business for over 30 years, but he had many other trades and talents. The phrase jack of all trades, master of none did not apply as everyone who knew him knew his many skills included carpentry, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, fabrication, upholstery, sewing, just to name a few. He could make or fix almost anything and if he didn’t have the tool for the job, he’d make it. John always had a long list of projects he was “puttering” with but still found the time to share his talents by helping family, friends and neighbors when needed. Cremation has taken place and due to provincial pandemic regulations, there will be no visitation and only a private family service will take place at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, New Waterford. Interment will follow in St Alphonsus’ Cemetery, Victoria Mines. A livestream of the funeral service can be viewed by visiting the following link: https://youtu.be/aPtyAntZaNk (The service will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 10 a.m.). John’s family would like to give special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Centre, Palliative Care and the VON for taking such great care of him throughout his illness and in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.