Obituary of Francis Patrick Martin

Francis Patrick Martin died peacefully on January 6, 2026, at the age of 91, after a wonderful life. He was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear and emotional support. His warmth and sense of fun were much appreciated by family and friends.

Frank was born in Ottawa to Allan and Grace Martin in 1934, and graduated from St. Pat’s College with a Master’s degree in Social Work. He married the love of his life, Joyce, a social worker from Boston. After 60 years of loving partnership, she predeceased him in 2016. Frank leaves three daughters, Beth, Jane (Terrence McEvoy), Maria (Bill Cole), and grandson James Cole. Frank is also survived by his brother Allan (Dianne Dunham), and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the United States.

Frank was passionate about social justice and caring for children. During the 1960’s, in London Ontario, he counselled children at Fontbonne Hall, a children’s care facility, and was Director of the Catholic Family Centre. Moving to Ottawa in 1970, Frank worked in the federal government Department of Health and Welfare. In the 1980’s, Frank was Director of the Social Planning Council of Ottawa-Carleton, working to improve social conditions and coordinating funding for social services. He returned to the federal government prior to his retirement in the 1990’s.

Frank enjoyed whitewater canoe trips, birdwatching, sailing, astronomy, and chopping wood for his wood stoves. His happy place was his cottage community on Lac Coulonge. Frank sang with family around bonfires at the cottage, on St. Patrick’s Day, and did a humorous Elvis impression. He loved music and photography, and wrote family stories, his own reminiscences, and beautiful poetry.

The family sincerely thanks the care workers who supported Frank with love and compassion throughout his years at the Amica Westboro Park residence.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at Cole Funeral Services and Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Road, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.  If you would like to remember Frank, please consider a donation to the United Way.