In Memory of Peter Martell

Peter was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, April 23, 1959, and moved with his family to Riverview, New Brunswick, where he began his schooling. In the early years Peter and his twin brother Paul were an energetic tandem, often found outdoors; whether fishing the Bras D’Or lakes near Shenacadie, roaming the shores of Làrdoise, Cape Breton, or cutting winter trails near his home in Riverview, it was an adventure.Peter continued to excel in the rink and on the football field when the family moved to Halifax in 1972. Peter became a leader in the Centennial Minor Hockey Association as a player and on-ice official. Following a hockey training camp with the Windsor Spitfires, Peter opted to skate with the Halifax Centennials. As a student at Halifax West High School, his strength and determination led him to record breaking football seasons.In 1977, Peter entered St. FX began his studies in Bachelor of Arts declaring “football” as his major. Peters speed, determination and physical prowess branded him the nickname ‘horse’. On campus, Peter began many lifetime friendships and touched the hearts of many.. If his smile and wit failed, his scholarly definition of a rock would surely impress you. Peter also found time to play hockey for the X-Men and officiate hockey in the Northern Region.In 1981, Peter began his professional football career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the company of strong-armed Deidre Brock. He completed his professional football career on special teams and as back- up linebacker with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and Montreal Concordes.Peter`s determination and leadership skills made him a success in the insurance industry. As a Certified Life Underwriter, Peter held Sales, Branch and Regional Leadership positions with London Life, Prudential, Desjardins in Ontario, and Nova Scotia.Summertime vacation often led to the beaches of Nova Scotia, the van jammed with kids, cousins, coolers and the familiar sound of Supertramp. In spite of his hardship with Huntington’s Disease in later years, he maintained his sense of humour, often shared family memories and often spoke proudly of his boys.

Peter is survived by his three sons; Alexander, Stittsville, ON; Colin, Ottawa, ON; Jonathan, Stittsville, ON; twin brother, Paul (Tina ), Halifax; sister, Denise (Len) March, Pictou; nephews, Patrick, Nicholas, Jordan; aunts, Jean Murdoch, Halifax; Joan MacDonald, Calgary; Caroline Martell; uncles, Jerry Burke, Sarnia, ON, and Father Blair Martell, King City.

Peter was predeceased by father, Cyril Martell, (1986); mother, Helen (Burke) Martell (2007); several aunts, uncles and cousins in recent years.

Peter will be resting at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Visitation to be held on Thursday, August 4, from 5-9 pm. Funeral service will take place on Friday, August 5 at 10:00 am in J.A. Snow Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Huntington Society of Canada. Special thanks to the staff at the Mount Hope Assisted Care Facility and to his friends who helped him along the way, Fitzee, Turtle, Archie and Marty.

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