Trot Insider has been informed that Charles ‘Charlie’ Martin, 94, passed away peaceful surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 20, 2019.
Martin, who was born on July 23, 1925, was the last member of the Hanover Bentinck and Brant Agriculture Society, which was instrumental at getting harness racing to Hanover. Martin has been an agricultural and raceway executive member since 1964. He is also a past president of the fair board, and was district director from 1992-1996. Martin worked in the mutuels in the old building and helped with the payouts in the new grandstand after 1964. He helped Allan Wedow transport the mutuel machines to Owen Sound for Wednesday night races and also took them to Kincardine and Elmira for fair days.
Martin faithfully attended races until just recently, but due to health issues only attended a couple nights this past season. Charlie’s son Harry is a local trainer/breeder and is stabled in Hanover.
Charlie is survived by sons Brian Martin (Marianne Voogt) of Brantford, Harry (Lori) Martin of Hanover, Jean (Gerald) Horst of Hanover and Diane (Mike) Osborne of Kingston and daughter in-law Norma Martin of Walkerton.
Charlie has eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by wife Mildred, son Raymond and twin sister Alice Diebel.
Visitation will take place at Mighton’s Funeral Home in Hanover on Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church.
Memorial donations to St Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church or to charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Charlie Martin.
Charlie was a wonderful
Charlie was a wonderful ambassador for Hanover Raceway. He had a friendly greeting for everyone. I believe he was also an ardent hockey fan as every Hanover Barons game I attended, he was there.