William "Bill" Martinook

William Brian Martinook

William “Bill” Brian Martinook was born on March 3, 1935 in Brandon Manitoba. Bill spent his formative years on the family farm and attended school in Scarth Manitoba. In 1956, Bill decided that farming was not for him and went to Winnipeg and applied for a job with the CNR as a fireman. His first assignment was Melville, where he met the love of his life Beverly Joan Ard in 1957.

On February 16, 1960, they were married at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville. They were blessed with seven children Kenneth, Robert, Lori, Leanne, David, Douglas & Andrew. He enjoyed the life of a railroader, and in 1966 became a qualified locomotive engineer. He continued with this passion until his retirement in March of 2000.

In his off time and throughout his retirement Bill enjoyed following the stock market, gardening, tinkering with electronics, specifically tube radios. As well, Bill was an avid artist and received a diploma from the Washington School of Art. He taught himself to play guitar, and enjoyed playing for his grandchildren until health would no longer permit.  Bill was a friend and mentor to both his children and grand children, which instilled a strong work ethic within them.

He was predeceased by his parents Gabriel & Lucielle, sister Vivian, his father & mother-in-law John and Stella Ard, brother & sister-in-law Aileen & Roy Martineau and Shirley & Clarence Ducharmie. 

He leaves to mourn his passing and carry on his memory: his loving wife Beverly Joan, children: Kenneth/Theresa (Chelsey, Courtney), Robert/Connie (Kayla/Josh), Lori Stephan (Brogan/Michael Marquette [William, Brielle], Travers/Jamie, Mackinley), Leanne/Ron Holloway (Brennan/Erin, Brett/Chelsey [Rory]), David/Catherine (Sarah/William, Natalie), Douglas/Tracey (Brianna/Brad, Jorja), & Andrew/Dawn (Tadyn, Drew, Sutton, Marner), brother-in-law Donald/Gail McInnes. He also leaves to mourn many nieces, nephews and  friends.