Obituary of Robert Martschin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Robert Martschin, long-time resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Thursday, November 11, 2021. He was born August 24, 1945 in Holltal, Austria. 

Robert was born in Hollital, Austria on August 24th,1945 and was an only child.  He was pre-deceased by his wife Gertraud (2017) and youngest son Peter (2001).  He is survived by his children and grand-children, Natalie (Michael, Stefan, Daniella),  Robert (Bettina, Oliver), Bettina (Alex, Christian, Natasha) Michaela.

In his youth Robert found Austria too small and started travelling with his friend Leo to see the world. At times starving in Sweden with only bananas to eat for a week or working as a professional waiter in the Banff Springs Hotel. He spoke seven languages of which he was able to read and write four.

He had a passion for electronics and started his Robert's Hobby Electronics in Cassiar, where boys (and girls) could come and geek out. Somehow this led to repairing furnaces and appliances on the townsite after his regular shift as a Carpenter for the Mine. In 1981 he had had enough of Unions and having a boss, moved to Oliver and started his Robelix business.  In 1985, with the help of City Furniture and David Shuffler he came to Dawson Creek, where he established a unique business servicing the entire Peace Region. From Grande Prairie to Rycroft, to Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and beyond (so he could go to the Liard Hot Springs.)

All of his life he lived to connect with people, bringing home hitchhikers, being a Big Brother and he never said no to lending a helping hand or ear. Robert was un-abashedly politically incorrect and proud of it. Many people loved him; some did not which was ok too.

He still believed Canada to be the best country in the world (he lived in quite a few) and Dawson Creek a very special place because of the people, arts, music, and community spirit.

After Gertraud's passing he started his "fifth" life in Cuba. They had met some incredible people on their trips, and he continued spending time there, bringing supplies and necessities every trip (his room is full of such items).  He improved their lives however he could, whether it was charging up cell phones or drilling a well.  He had met a new love Yuliet, who made him feel loved, and a family which embraced him with open arms.

Robert often said what a wonderful life he has lived, and he would not have changed a thing!!!

We would sincerely like to thank the Garbitt/Lalonde Family, the First Responders, Merrill and Chetwynd RCMP for their help. We would also like to thank his friend Mike and all our friends and customers, THANK-YOU for your support.

No service will be held at this time.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Robert to the "Peter Martschin Music Camp Scholarship" care of Lakeview Credit Union, 800 102 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 2B2. It was created to send gifted young musicians to a summer music program at UBC.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium