Martens, David P. (1913-1978)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1978 Sept 29 p. 30

Birth date: 1913 June 08

text of obituary:

DAVID P. MARTENS

David P. Martens of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away in July, 1978. He was born on June 8, 1913 to Peter P. and Helena (nee Wieler) Martens in the village of Alexanderkrone, in the Molotschna, in southern Russia. In 1925 they came to Canada and lived for a year at Kitchener, Ont. They then moved to Rosthern, Sask., and in March, 1927 to Coaldale Alta. At the age of 15 his uncle, Frank Martens, led him to the Lord. He was baptized in August, 1934 and joined the Coaldale Mennonite Brethren Church. He attended Bible school and was active in the church. He had a great love for music and participation in the community orchestra and the church choir were highlights of the week for him. In 1942 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. and on November 24, 1944 David was united in marriage to Margaret Goerzen. They settled in Arnold, B.C. where they enjoyed seven years of fellowship with the Arnold Mennonite Brethren Church. The next 16 years they spent on a small farm in Aldergrove, where they farmed and David developed into a skilled cabinet maker. He used his skills to help furnish the church. They participated in the life of the East Aldergrove Church for 27 years, of which the last 11 were lived in Clearbrook. For a year, after their retirement, he and his wife served as relief parents at the home for mentally handicapped adults, The Cedars, at Abbotsford. His last year was one in which he especially brought family and friends into a closer walk with the Lord through his faith and witness .

He is survived in loving memory by his wife Margaret; daughters, Marlene (Mrs . Harry) Unruh of Richmond, B.C., Linda (Mrs. Herb) Krause of Bellingham, Wash., Lori (Mrs. Guy) Sinclair of Winnipeg, Helen of Vancouver Island, and Marianne of Clearbrook, serving as a missionary in Germany; three brothers, four sisters and many other relatives and friends.