Obituaries

 

John Ronald Martell

Passed 09/19/2022

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Obituary For John Ronald Martell

Age 56, born October 22nd, 1965, passed away at Valley Hospice in Kentville on September 19th, 2022 surrounded by loving family. He was born in Halifax, the son of Ronald Martell (Phyllis) and Pauline Martell (nee MacLean).

John was a Journeyman Scaffolder for over 20 years. Prior to that he worked for Bens Bakery in Halifax.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary (nee Rand); sons Michael (Jessica) and Caleb; daughters Jordyn (Daniel), Rhiannon (Brian) Katie and Mary Beth, brother Garry (Margaret); sisters Lynette and Dannielle (Aaron). John is also survived by his first wife Sue (Mario), and by his long-time friend and faithful supporter Wanda Ryan (Dougie). He was the favorite uncle to niece Nicolle; nephews Colton, Spencer, Matthew, Gavin and Asher, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and life long friends.

John lived life to the fullest and spending time with family and friends was his greatest joy. Our incredibly intelligent gentle giant gave 100% to everything he tried - darts, washer toss, cards and everything else. John had a deep and profound interest in history, politics and science and was an avid reader. John was a lover of music and was a talented gregarious dancer and entertainer on any dance floor. He had the opportunity to travel with Mary to Cuba and Mexico and made many new friends there. John loved to meet new people and wanted to learn everything he could about them and know their stories as he shared his own.

After receiving his diagnosis when he knew his time was short there were few things he wanted most: to marry the love of his life Mary; to see Jordyn be married; to ensure that all of his children knew how much he loved them and how very proud he was of them and also to make loving memories that will live in their hearts forever. John wished to spend his final summer laughing and enjoying time with family and friends in his happy place the campground, where his smile, laughter and love will echo in the forest forever.

Mary and the family would like to thank the incredible Valley Hospice Team, who filled his final days with laughter, love, dignity and grace. John passed to the sound of the Queen’s Bag Pipes and the heavenly choir of Westminster Abbey heralded his departure from this world. He was escorted by an honour guard to the strains of Fiddlers Green wearing his New England Patriots hat and wrapped in blankets given to him by his beloved daughters.

Celebrate – author unknown

Weep not for me though I am gone Into that gentle night Grieve if you will, but not for long Upon my soul’s sweet flight I am at peace, my soul’s at rest There is no need for tears. For with your love I was so blessed For all those many years. There is no pain, I suffer not, The fear now all is gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts In your memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death, But celebrate my life.

A celebration of Life will be held on October 22nd, 2022 on John’s birthday, location to be determined.

Mary and family would like to invite you to share your memories of John in photos and written script.

Good night, John-Boy.

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Condolences

  • 10/27/2022

    Trevor Bonin

    John was a good friend and a mentor to me going back to the Imperial oil job with Steeple Jack in Dartmouth at Esso. He taught me what I needed to know. I will treasure that he came to visit me when he was working on one of his last jobs in monestary area. He enjoyed a supper of haddock fish and chips with my mom and me. I was one of his friends he called to say goodbye. Love you Johnny and will miss you.💕Trevor Bonin, Cape Breton,ns

  • 10/17/2022

    Alice Baldasso

    Sending heartfelt Condolences in your recent loss.know that you are each in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 Alice Baldasso and Family

  • 09/27/2022

    Cally Jones

    So sorry for your loss. These pictures are from Chris' 2nd birthday. The baby is Danielle. Chris is in red stripes When it's a son or spouse, doesn't matter , hurts just the same ❤️🙏

  • 09/27/2022

    Jerome MAcLean

    I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. We are first cousin's and the only time I ever met John was probably 50 years ago in West River and Uncle Bernard teased both John and Gary unmercifully but as young and John and Gary were they stood up to Bernard. My thoughts and prayers are with Pauline and Mary and the rest of the family. Being 56 is way to young to pass away. God Bless

  • 09/26/2022

    Denise Gray

    Offering heartfelt condolences with deepest sympathy for your loss. The MacMillan family

  • 09/26/2022

    Charla Selfridge

    My heartfelt condolences to Mary, the kids, family and friends. John was quite the character, quite the dancer, a history buff, fountain of knowledge, good friend and nobody could throw a washer like him. You will be missed John. Charla Selfridge

  • 09/23/2022

    Tracey Gallant

    Very sorry for your loss. Condolences to all the family. God Bless!-Tracey Gallant & Family

  • 09/23/2022

    Ann-Marie Cooper

    My condolences to the family. Ann-Marie Cooper

  • 09/23/2022

    Natasha Marie Lane

    Our thoughts are with all of you, so sorry for your loss. Sharon, Natasha, Betty-Jo & Ashton The Lanes

  • 09/23/2022

    Joe P

    Good times ol boy. Always an adventure with you around. Keep us safe down here buddy. RIP

  • 09/22/2022

    nicole conrad

    We didn't have the chance to really meet John, but we did see the community he built around him - we attended the fundraiser at the campground and it takes a very special person to bring people together in that way. Condolences to the family. Nicole & Michael.

  • 09/22/2022

    Vicki Lynn Black

    Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in that John left this earth knowing he was truly loved by his family and friends.

  • 09/22/2022

    Angeline DayMesure

    Thinking of you at this sad time x Here if you need me x

  • 09/21/2022

    Karen Lynn MacInnis

    My deepest condolences to Johns' family. I went through Junior High with him and his brother Gary. Anytime we ever ran into each other it was always like all those years hadn't passed. He was still warm, funny, and just an all-around nice guy. I know he will be missed and he is gone, not forgotten.

  • 09/21/2022

    Wendy & Steve Adams

    Our condolences to the Gary and all the family and friends. We didn't know him but Gary was always talking of his brother. RIP

  • 09/21/2022

    Anna LeBlanc - Perkins

    John had an infectious smile and laugh. That's what I'll remember most about him. Dannielle's comical loving big brother. Thinking about and sending love to my childhood second family - my Martell family.

  • 09/21/2022

    Chris Martell

    At Nanny and Papa Martells 50th anniversary, Danielle, Gary, our cousin Shaun, John and myself broke into the abandoned house down the road. We were all, as I recall, sick of not knowing what was going on inside. Hahahaha! We may have had a few wobbly pops, it's true, because we weren't inside this dilapidated and pitch black, spooky house for five minutes before something happened and John screamed out in agony. Turns out he'd broken his ankle. I was shocked at how he toughed it out the rest of the exploration that night, which also included a walk down the shore. His ankle was nearly black the next day, I was concerned. Last time I saw him he came to see my old band play at Gus's Pub in Halifax. I was proud to get to play the Pop Explosion, but even more stoked to see him, Colton and Gary at the gig. Something about family at a gig and you've not seen em for years that really tugs at the heart. We had many laughs that night. Deepest condolences and heartfelt love to Mary, his kids and all the Martells in this sad time. Big shout out to all the friends commenting on his passing and most importantly, a giant cosmic hug and high five to the man himself. You were one in a million, Johny, and I hope we cross paths on the other side one day. I love you🤘🏼🕯

  • 09/21/2022

    Virginia LeBlanc

    Mary and Families...I am so sorry for your loss 💞 Even though I only knew John for a few months at the Cancer Lodge, he made an impression on me that I'll never forget. All we did was laugh and smoke cigarettes. I will always remember John ❤

  • 09/21/2022

    Joe arsenault

    My heart is broke miss my friend and one of my best buddys we had alot of fun together until we meet again condolences to mary and family

  • 09/21/2022

    Glenn

    I remember, a few years ago, John had lost a bet and had to serve hors d'oeuvres in a french maids uniform. I tugged on the back of his skirt, indicating I was going to lift it up. John turn to me and says " I wouldn't do that bud, I don't wear underwear." I laughed my ass off! We're already missing you bud!

  • 09/21/2022

    Lori Graves

    John was an unforgettable presence that will be missed by anyone who knew him. Heartfelt condolences to the entire family for the great loss you have suffered. May the memories and laughter you shared bring you comfort at this time.

  • 09/21/2022

    Pat Dodsworth

    Mary and family. Sincere condolences on John's death. I am sorry for each and every one of you. You will all miss him in your own ways but you will all support each other also. Your family's big on love and I know John felt that, not just since he got sick but from the time he first became a member of it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Pat

  • 09/21/2022

    Jean Barton

    I always got such a chuckle watching John dance, he will be missed by so many. My sincere condolences to you Mary, & to all Johns family & friends. Jeannie Barton

  • 09/21/2022

    Wanda Mae Lenihan

    I am so sorry for your loss. Wanda Lenihan xo

  • 09/21/2022

    Diane McInnis

    Rhiannon, we are so sorry for your loss and hope that you find it easier with each new day. Take are and know that we are thinking about you. Ted and Diane McInnis, Joe's parents.

  • 09/21/2022

    Donna Pelham

    So many wonderful memories growing up in Spryfield hanging with John and Garry, they had the best parties, I lived just short walk from them and our hook up was the rocks behind The school and go from there with weekend plans , so sorry for all the family's loss , gone way too young ♥️

  • 09/21/2022

    Anne Benson.

    Mary I am so sorry for you and your family. Please know I am thinking of you.

  • 09/21/2022

    Kathy and cory

    Thinking of John's family at this time.. Cherish his memories..

  • 09/21/2022

    Everette & Susan Conway

    My condolence to Marry and family.He was a Friendly Giant

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