CHARLES AUGUST ‘GUS’ MARTEL

Charles August “Gus” Martel, 83, of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15. 2003 at McKellar Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.
He was born April 9, 1919 in La Broquerie, Man. to the late Joseph and Amelia Martel.
Gus had worked on a dairy farm as a young man. He began working with the CNR as a B & B foreman. He had worked for 40 years throughout all of Northwestern Ontario with the CNR until retirement in 1981.
He took great pride in the fact that he contributed to the erection and maintenance of most of the bridges from Rainy River to Sapawe.
Gus loved to go for walks with his dog, enjoyed gardening, and was a very good carpenter. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29, and he enjoyed having a cold one at the Legion and the Pine.
He also was well-known as a practical joker. The joy of his life was his special grandchildren, Bailey, Sydney, and Harrison.
Gus is survived by his wife, Vicky; five children, Charlie (Rose) Martel of Winnipeg, Man., Gerry Martel of Winnipeg, Man., Susan Martel (James) of Edmonton, Alta., Rodney Martel (Leona) of Edmonton, Alta., and Krista Martel (Harold) of Devlin, Ont.; and three step-children, Lance Homych (Jacqueline) of Port Coquitlam, B.C.; Eric Homich (Lesley) of Edmonton, Alta., and Karen Homich (Bert) of Fort Frances, Ont.
Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, Adrian Martel and family of Winnipeg. Man.; one sister, Edna Mortlock and family of Winnipeg, Man.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Amelia; brothers, Albert, Evangelist, Noel, George, Marcel, and Andrew Martel; sisters, Mary Morris and Olive LaFournaise; and special friends, Marion Beebee and Bud Dressler.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home, with Capt. Eric Alcock officiating.
Honourary pallbearers will be all of Gus’ family and friends.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Friends of Animals Foundation, Box 545, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1C9 or to the charity of your choice.