Michael Kenneth Martin

Michael Kenneth Martin passed away surrounded by his family, on Saturday December 20th, 2025, at the age of 86.

Michael was born in Sceptre, Saskatchewan on July 4th, 1939, to parents Wendel and Anna Martin. He always felt blessed to be born to such loving, generous parents and to have grown up with five siblings. Michael attended St. Thomas College in North Battleford for grades eleven and twelve. He went on to study at the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned bachelor's degrees in arts and education. It was there where he met Rosalyn, the love of his life.

Michael and Rosalyn were married in 1962 in Shaunavon and soon moved to Calgary, where Michael began his teaching career with the Calgary Catholic School District (CSSD). In 1971, he was appointed to Bishop Carroll High School, a role he cherished because it allowed him to work one-on-one with young people while continually challenging them to reach their full potential. Michael and Rosalyn made many lifelong friends at Bishop Carroll.

During his sabbatical in 1975-76, he earned a master's degree as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He earned two Teacher Excellence awards. His knowledge of teaching and learning styles afforded him the opportunity to teach part time at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. He was frequently invited to speak at conferences and school districts in Canada as well as the United States. Deeply passionate about teaching, literature, and speed reading, Michael missed only five days of teaching throughout his remarkable 32-year career with the CSSD. He retired in 1994 but continued teaching part-time at Chinook Learning Services (Viscount Bennett) for an additional twenty-two years.

Michael also excelled at golf. He was a member at Silver Springs Golf Course, worked on several committees, and later became president in 1990. It was during his term that it became an equity share membership. Michael won two senior club championships at Silver Springs. He also won the Alberta Teachers' Golf Tournament in 1986 at Wolf Creek Resort with a score of 75. In addition to golf, Michael loved cars and baseball, and found great joy in gardening with a special interest in roses. He was a man of unwavering Catholic faith, with a special devotion to Mary, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Michael was deeply grateful for his devoted wife, Rosalyn, their four children, and many grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Rosalyn and his children Robert (Tara) Martin, Deanna Hoeschen, Mary Ellen (Marty) Martin, and Suzanne (Gordon) Best; grandchildren Samantha (Greg), Kyle (Ashly), Carlee (Montorie), Ethan, Claire, Madelyn, Hannah, Grayson, and Lyla; great grandchildren Lennon and Levi, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Rose, brother Melvin (Mildred) and sister Sharon (Ron). Michael was predeceased by his parents Wendel and Anna, and brothers Charles and Ivan. 

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Dr. NW) on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:00pm with the Rev. Jerome Lavigne officiating. After mass, relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family in the church hall downstairs for refreshments and a joyful time of remembrance.  

Those who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Dr. Martin’s service live-streamed on the day of the service through this link https://st-peters.ca/private-event/. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. 

Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed with Michael’s family on the Tribute Wall. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Michael’s life and legacy with a donation to the Michael Martin Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established by the Martin family at Bishop Carroll High School in recognition of Michael’s lifelong dedication to teaching. To make a donation, please e-transfer to MKMartinScholarship@gmail.com using the question/answer: What is Michael’s last name? Or, if you prefer, cash donations or a cheque made payable to Deanna Hoeschen can be brought to the service in a labelled envelope or card. Thank you in advance for your support.