Obituary for Martin Bertelsen

- June 22 2022

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, on June 29, 2022, in his 88th year. Martin was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce. Loving Father of Stephen and Shannon (Johnny). Loving grandfather to Jordan and Step-grandson Isaiah. Younger brother of David (late Shirley). Loving Uncle of Karen Bennett and Brian Bertelsen (Scarlett). Great Uncle to Katrina, Brett, and Rayna. Brother-in-law of the late James Chester (Audrey). Uncle to Cathy-Lynne, Thomas, and Jamie. Great-Uncle to Dawn, Lyla and Kale and Great-great Uncle to Hallie. Martin wanted to acknowledge the care of his cousin Gloria Stokes and her family since Joyce’s passing.

Martin was a steadfast in his belief in the importance of public education as being our society’s greatest source of social justice. He served in several roles: Teacher and Elementary Vice-Principal (Sault Ste. Marie), Elementary Principal (Quebec) and Teacher and local President of the Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation as well as Teacher (the Department of National Defence, Base Borden) where he retired. He loved being a Special Education Teacher and cherished his students. He valued public service and served in several leadership roles in the Anglican Church, but he treasured being one of the founding members of Barrie’s St. Margaret’s of Scotland Anglican Church. He was an advocate for the vision of a just society and worked tirelessly throughout his years for the Liberal Party of Ontario and Canada as well as dedicated his time to organizations that supported marginalized groups.

The Family are so grateful for the kind, compassionate care that Martin received from the Barrie Community Health Centre and the Specialized Senior Care Section at RVH. The family would like to especially thank Dr Kerstin Mossman, Dr Leah Skory, Dr Kevin Ali, Julie Burns and all the and nurses and staff at these facilities. Also, a very special thanks to the Bayshore PSWs and public health nurses who supported Martin so he could continue to live at home as long as possible.

Arrangements for the Funeral Mass (St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church) are presently being made and will be released later. Memorial donations to St. Margaret’s Anglican Church or Royal Victoria Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Condolences can be forwarded through Basic Funerals and Cremation Choices - Jennett Memorial Centre: barrie.basicfunerals.ca

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13