Martin Grumbir

Martin Grumbir, 96, passed away Monday January 20,2025 in Calgary, Alberta. He leaves behind his loving wife Elisabeth.

Martin was born April 2, 1928 in the Donauschwaben town of Kernei Yogoslavia (now Kljajicevo Serbia) where he began life as the son of a farm hand. His father, Thomas, clearly taught him the value of hard work. A trait he demonstrated on a daily basis into his mid 90s. His mother, Katarina, and two sisters taught him tenderness & laughter. In Yugoslavia's post war turmoil, Martin met Elisabeth Grauganz where the young couple began with nothing but love. Love that endured for 75 years. They were inseparable from the start - even working together for nearly 30 years Their journey included Backnang Germany (1954-1956) prior to immigrating to Canada on the Arosa Star ship arriving in Quebec City, October 26, 1956 ultimately arriving in his Aunt/Uncle's (Susnak) farm in Marieville, Quebec on October 30, 1956. The following week they began working at DeMilo lamp factory at the base of the Jacques Cartier bridge in Montreal. Montreal quickly became their home, while they moved to Cornwall (1978), Kitchener (1997), and later in life to Calgary (2022) - Montreal was always home to them.

Martin's hobby in life was to work. This was clearly visible to anyone who knew him. Within a week of beginning work, he was promoted to foreman and within a year they moved into the apartment adjoining the factory where he would be a caretaker of the facility, cleaning after all left and then in winter, shoveling the factory entrance and parking lot (by hand) before anyone arrived. After retiring from the lamp business they bought what is now Martin's Inn in Cornwall. Where they handled everything - cleaning, laundry, even the wake up calls. Cleanest hotel in Ontario with freshly ironed sheets. They never shied away from work - including maintaining a large garden and yard. Slowing down only after selling their house in 2022. He ensured his children knew the significance of education, usefulness of hard work, importance of quality, value of frugality, and the joy of laughter. And let's not forget the medicinal purposes of a daily Schnapps.

Martin & Elisabeth's legacy included their loving daughter Marianne (Maria) Theresa, her husband Peter Erk and their son John and grandson Carsen. Their son, Richard Johann, his wife Lauren, and his son Justin and grandson Canyon.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael (MIA WW2), and sisters Katarina Toth and Cristina Mesch residing in Germany.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 4 St SW) February 7, 2025 at 2:00pm.

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