Obituary of Martin Riddle

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Martin Riddle, a longtime resident of Pouce Coupe, BC, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in his home, at the age of 80 years.

Born Sept 10, 1937 to Parents Arthur and Minnie Riddle in Chalfont St Giles Buck, England. In High school Martin worked at a Market Garden where his  love for gardening began. 

At 16, Martin Joined the Merchant Navy. His job on the ship was to wash dishes. Because he could not see himself doing dishes for 2 years he jumped off the ship as soon as they landed in Halifax. He quickly found work in Kentville, Nova Scotia for a year and then headed west to Saskatchewan.  His next adventure brought more farm work and oilfield service work. After Saskatchewan he was off to Quesnel, BC. 

Martin arrived in Dawson Creek in 1956 and found work peeling rail road ties in Pouce Coupe. Martin worked at the Orange Crush factory, on a bridge crew, and then started doing construction work running cats as well he became a member of the Operating Engineers #115.  Martin met Ethel and they were married Nov 25, 1966  and  became partners in raising a family and building a farm.

In 1980 Martin decided to open his own mechanical shop on the farm. Martin never lost his passion for gardening, hard work and Family. Martin volunteered with 4H as a leader, on the Purebred Bull Sale Board and then as the board chair at Trembley House in Pouce Coupe.

Martin and Ethel’s Family started in 1967 with Julie and then Wendy in 1970 and Jennifer in 1973. The girls always held a special place in Martins heart. As the years went by each of his daughters gained his love for children, animals and the outdoors. As each daughter came of age the boys came around and Martin took pride in testing if those boys were worthy of his daughters. Many a young man left the farm with a bit more caution because of the animal they were tasked with throwing down or the castration they just witnessed. Still to this day, I am not sure all of those animals needed to be cut or if this was just a lesson the young suiters needed to learn. 

 As the grandchildren came, the pride of being a Grandpa became Martin's new mission, with the addition of Jared, Chantel, Jordyn and finally Ethan.  Martin and Ethel made frequent trips to visit their Grandchildren in Peace River, Lethbridge, Fairview, Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat. Martin could now be found at 4-H, Soccer, School plays, and Recitals. As soon as the event was over he could be found playing soccer, or baseball with the kids. 

 Martin could teach all of us a thing about being a good neighbor. He was always willing to help out with mechanical advice or advice on life. He was always caring and very much to the point. Many of us can only hope that we leave a legacy as strong as Martin’s when our time is up. His love of gardening, family, friends, Grandchildren and his neighbors is the memory he will want us to leave here with today.  Reading through his details for his eulogy his Final words were: “I did a lot of other shit but just can’t remember it all.”  Martin Michael Riddle lived a very full life and touched a lot of hearts along the way. Martin you lived well, you lived a life true to who you were for 80 years.  Thank you for being you. 

On Martin’s song list I read Charley Pride Songs, and these are the lyrics that spoke to me from his life:

"You don't owe me a thing, I've been there too. Someone once helped me out just the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back here’s what you do, Don't let the chain of love end with you."

A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 11:00 am from Reynars Chapel, Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated, interment followed in the Riverview Cemetery, Pouce Coupe.

For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Martin to the Salvation Army, 1019 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2G6.

Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium