Larry Paul (Pepper) Martin

1941 ~ 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Larry “Pepper” Martin, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Pepper is survived by his wife, Donna (nee Herrmann); daughter, Melodie (Kelly) Garland; son, Chad (Crystal Geddes) Martin; grandchildren, Beth (Ryan) Lochart of Swift Current, Megan (Michael) Webb, Cameron Garland as well as Kendyl and Kyler Geddes-Martin.  Poppa Pepper is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Bennett and Brinlee Webb, Aurora Lochart as well as Aurora’s soon to arrive sister who is expected in May 2023.

Additionally, Pepper is survived by sisters-in-law, Susan Herrmann, Joy Martin; brother-in-law, Roy Hoffman as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pepper was predeceased by his parents, Levi and Lydia Martin as well as his brothers, Al, Ivan, Victor and Lloyd.  Pepper was also predeceased by his sisters, Agnes Egler, Eileen Hoffman and Delores Green; brothers-in-law, Arnold Egler and Fred Green, sisters-in-law, Alma Martin,  Pat Martin and Frances Martin as well as numerous other extended family.

Larry Paul Martin was born August 16, 1941 in Swift Current and spent his early years on the farm at Horsham, SK.  Larry was nine years old when the family moved to Medicine Hat making their home on north riverside.  There he met many friends including Ron Sakamoto, who to this day remains a true friend.  You can be sure there were many antics these two got up to, terrorizing the community on riverside.  Larry was quite involved in local sports.  He played hockey and baseball and was a lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Yankees.  Later, he coached in the commercial hockey league.  Larry was an avid golfer and a life-long member at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.  It was through golf that he earned his nickname “Pepper”, when a visiting pro who observed Larry driving the ball said “For a little guy, you can sure pepper the ball”.  Larry hit several holes in one during his many years golfing.  As parents, Pepper and Donna stayed involved in Sports following their son Chad all over for both Hockey and Baseball, enjoying many hotel room beverages and games of hand and foot. He was always happy to sharpen the skates of Chad and his teammates, whether at home or on the road.

Pepper worked at numerous jobs, and at one time was in business with his friend Ron Sakamoto running a night club called Honeycomb a Go Go.  Larry regularly said that he should have stuck with Ron in his business venture as he claimed his pockets would have had more jingle to them had he done that.  Later, Larry became a roofer and eventually started his own roofing business (Martin’s Roofing), which he ran until he was 69, when he retired.

In retirement, Pepper and Donna travelled extensively, in particular they annually wintered in California and Arizona and developed many dear friendships along the way.  Rounds of golf, card games and condo parties were enjoyed by Donna, Pepper and their many travel friends.  At home in Medicine Hat during the summer, Pepper enjoyed coffee with friends at the Corona, golf and time with his family.  Larry always had a stash of sweet treats like tootsie rolls in his TV room, and was always happy to share with his grandchildren, particularly Kyler.

Pepper was not a fan of the computer/cell phone revolution and would regularly scold his family when they had their phone out at the supper table.  Pepper held very strong opinions, and was never shy about expressing them, in particular when it came to the management of his Leafs and Yankees.

Pepper passed away in Calgary on Monday, January 2, 2023, after a brief but courageous battle with Cancer.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Pepper’s life at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, 947 Pigeon Street N.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday January 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.  Please dress casual… It’s what Larry would have wanted! In lieu of flowers, donations to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre in Larry’s name are appreciated.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium and Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at:  1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2023-01-01
• Location : Calgary, Alberta

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