Tribute

Ronald Martin August 22, 1931 –June 4, 2026

Ronald J Martin, dedicated educator, leader, lifelong lover of animals, baseball and the arts, passed away peacefully on June 4 at the age of 94. Ron is survived by his wife, two sons, two stepchildren, and beloved cat Alexander. He is predeceased by his dear cousins Marcia and Margo and his daughter Valerie who died of leukemia as a young girl — a loss he carried with quiet strength throughout his life.

He earned a BA from Dartmouth and MBA from Columbia before moving to Carmel Valley with his wife Vivian where he ran a newspaper after serving in the US army. He then moved into education, teaching drama at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, and serving as head of Sheridan College’s Faculty Association. He was a prominent member of the OPSEU negotiating team and was instrumental in setting up the CAAT pension plan for college teachers.

We will remember Ron for his love of children, his generosity, his loyal friendship and his support of ‘underdogs’ everywhere. Ron, under all his gruff, had a very big heart. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SPCA or the Salt Spring Foundation honouring his dual passions for animal welfare and democracy/ serving the underprivileged.