Don Martin, an Elmira native whose business ventures and volunteer activities shaped everything from this week’s maple syrup festival to the very structure of the town, died this week at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener at the age of 79.
Perhaps more than any other in the past half-century, Martin was instrumental in shaping development in Elmira.
A prominent businessman and philanthropist, his long list of accomplishments was recognized in his induction into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame in 2008.
While Martin was always modest about his contributions, there’s no denying he has had a major impact on Elmira and the township in the years since being born into a conservative Mennonite family on Apr. 15, 1933.
In his mid-20s he took over the family business, Martin Feed Mills Ltd., and built it into a significant business and employer in Elmira. Martin was also involved in the creation of more than 30 other businesses, including the Elmira Land Development Company, Brox’s Olde Town Village and B&L Metals.
Martin has held a number of volunteer positions both locally and nationally. He was president of the Elmira Board of Trade in 1965, the year the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival was launched. He has also served on the Elmira high school board and was a member of the Lions Club for five decades. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship given by Lions Club International Foundation. Some of his most challenging experiences were being involved in search-and-rescue missions where he volunteered his airplane and piloting expertise. He was also a Mason and Shriner. Martin served nationally as chairman of the Canadian Feed Manufacturers Association.
He was involved in the creation of many local facilities such as the Lions Sports Park, Kissing Bridge Trail, Lions Woolwich Dam Trail and the Elmira Golf and Country Club. Martin was recognized for his community service with several awards of distinction including being named Woolwich Citizen of the Year in 1992.
He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Waldtraut, and sons Dennis, Chuck and Tim. A memorial gathering to celebrate Martin’s life is scheduled for April 20 at Lions Hall in Elmira.
