Obituary of Dennis Gerard Martin
Dennis Gerard Martin
April 7, 1966 – July 5, 2023
Our hearts break as we announce the death of Dennis Gerard Martin who passed away in the Perth hospital at the age of 57 from complications related to young-onset Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. Dennis was deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his wife of 31 years, Christine Pinsent-Johnson who was at his side along with his oldest sister Cathy Martin Hernandez and close friends Nadine Akers and Simon Humphries. Left to mourn his death are his siblings: Bryan, Karen and Laurie (Denis). Dennis was a fun and playful uncle who will be missed by Heather (Rob), Shawn, Daniel, Justin, Shelby, Matthew (Jen), Sarah (Dustin), Kennedi (Avery), Grant (Becky) and Michael. He was a great uncle to Tera, Tanner, Alyssa and Nathan, and was an uncle through friendship to Liam, Sophie, Lucas and Maya. He will be dearly missed by his parents-in-law, Helen and Keith Johnson and a large extended family, including his Uncle Jim and Aunt Sally. He was predeceased by his sister Linda and his parents Betty and Aurel. Dennis was loyal, funny and generous and is mourned by many friends from childhood, his years at university and his career. Dennis was born in Sudbury and raised in Hanmer. He was the youngest of six children in a bustling household that included his beloved grandfather Owen Duffy (predeceased). He completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering at Queen’s University. He then worked in Ottawa for three engineering consulting firms where he specialized in designing communal onsite wastewater and water treatment systems for residential developments, schools, remote communities, golf courses and a national park. He co-owned two patents for passive wastewater treatment technologies. He was most proud of his long-term relationships with clients and his work for numerous First Nations communities. Outside of work, Dennis always had a project on the go, including a cottage on Lac Blue Sea in Quebec where he and Christine cherished the dramatic beauty of the area and their time spent with many guests. They shared a love of the outdoors and being active — camping, canoeing, hiking, skiing and later cycling together. Dennis and Christine recently moved to a rural home outside of Perth to enjoy the peacefulness. The last piece of Dennis taken by his disease was his sense of humour and mischievousness, expressed as a wry sideways glance or self-deprecating comment made to the caring nurses and support workers at Brockville General Hospital. Special thanks to them and the nursing staff at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. Cremation followed by private gatherings with family and friends will take place in the near future. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Foundation, including the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment Fund, can be made.
Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth.
