Mr. Mel Martin

Better pass boldly into that other world, in the full glory of some passion, than fade and wither dismally with age. James Joyce On Monday Dec. 3rd 2012 we said our final goodbye to Mel in the ICU of the Toronto Western Hospital. We do not know what sickness took him but it was a stroke that felled this mighty man. In the last few hours of his life, we laughed, loved, and kissed Mel home. We raised our glass to celebrate this wellloved man with such a fine soul, drinking his own Irish Whiskey as he would have wanted it. Mel left this mortal coil surrounded by family and friends who deeply loved him and will miss him always. There was only peace for Mel at the end and we gave him a good, lively, and loving passing. Mel was a traveller and this is his final journey. But not the journey he planned. Within months of retirement, Mel was preparing to fulfill a life long dream of sailing the world on his boat ‘Sadhu’. A sadhu in Hinduism is a good man, a seeker, one who leaves behind material attachments on a journey of enlightenment. This was Mel. There are two things to strive for - living a good life - and having a good death. Mel had both. He worked hard to find his good life. Mel brought into this world four strong-hearted, creative and intelligent children who are his greatest pride and joy. This traveler bids goodbye to his children Thor, Brian, Kathleen and Marika and his sisters Fiona, Fionnuala and Neasa and brother-in-laws Dave and Steve. Aoife and his parents Fionnuala and Eamon no doubt met him at his last horizon. Mel knew the gentle kiss of love and the strong supportive hand of friendship. He was respected by his many colleagues at the University of Toronto and Centre for Addictions and Mental Health. Mel was loved and valued by his nephews, nieces, and cousins. There are many salty dogs on the docks of the Outer Harbour Marina who will miss him. A private family gathering will be held on Dec. 19th 2012. A more public celebration of his life is being planned for the spring at the Outer Harbour Marina where there will be music, food, and drink. A flotilla of boats will take Mel’s ashes out to ‘sea’ to be scattered along with a mariner’s memorial service. There are no words sufficient to thank TWH’s incredible ICU staff. Their ongoing skill, kindness, compassion, and deep humanity made this terrible time bearable. It is because of them we were able to give Mel a good - goodbye. We thank all our friends and family for their support, ask that you hold Mel in your heart, and his family, and loved ones in your prayers.

Mr. Mel Martin

December 3, 2012