We regret to inform you of the sudden tragic passing of Michael Nelson Martel Oct.2/22 at the age of 44. Michael, the beloved husband of Robin Donald, father, uncle, brother, and son to Elaine Martel & Alex Fontaine.

Michael was born and raised in Big River, where he attended school, church with grandma, and extra curricular activities. As a young boy Michael was so energetic, he ran everywhere he went. Soon everyone called him Mike-probably because he was so quick you didn’t have time to say his full name before he was gone again. Mike loved the outdoors and became a member in the local boy scouts at age 8. He enjoyed biking around town with his friends, going to Nesslin Lake to swim, and playing video games at the local D&D which he often held the high scores on. If you ever seen the initials MNM or MAD on a video game high score in D&D, that was Mike. MNM was his initials, and he resembled a likeness similar to the boy on MAD comic books. Throughout school years Mike developed athletically and was very good at track and field events where he would compete at district and provincial levels. Mike was a kind-hearted, caring, charismatic, charming jokester with a gambler’s grin and this incredibly infectious giggle. Everyone knew Mike and Mike had a joke or a story for everyone. At Mike’s high school graduation, it was often mentioned Mike looked like the actor Richard Gere, of course Mike went with it. After graduation Mike spent time doing things he enjoyed most, being outdoors fishing, or hunting and spending time with his friends earning the nickname Mr. Monday Night. It was not a surprise when he started working in tree planting and he loved it. Mike was always happy and always fun to be around. He would help everyone out as much as possible and made friends with everyone so easily. Mike met the love of his life Robin Donald during this time. Mike always did his best to take care of Robin the best way he knew how, they loved each other very much. Mike and Robin enjoyed doing lots of things together, they were adventurous together often attending great shows, travelling, or moving to a place of interest to them. They always enjoyed returning to Big River and visiting family and friends. Mike always made special time to stop and see his uncle Joe who was always a big part of Mike’s life.  Mike and Robin’s first additions were their beloved minpins Lucious, Missy, and Stella. Mike and Robin were also very loyal Saskatchewan Roughrider fans and would attend as many games as they could. Mike and Robin welcomed their son, Maverick in 2013 and daughter Bailee-Jo in 2017. Shortly after they moved to Surrey B.C. and built a wonderful life there. Mike and Robin worked hard for their family and continued to stay true to their interests of spending time outdoors, travelling, visiting family and friends, and being loyal sports fans. They taught their children how to enjoy all the things they loved.

Michael was a hard-working man, he loved his family dearly. He liked camping, fishing, and touring the great Metis sites throughout the country. He loved visiting friends and relatives, always bringing great joy and happiness to them. He was very kind-hearted and helped people all the time. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his love of laughter and goodness he brought to this world. It is so sad that this tragedy happened when they had finally found their happy place.

In Loving Memory of Michael Nelson Martel, born June 22/1978, Big River, Sask. and passed away Oct.2/22, Tappen, B.C. at the age of 44 years.

Michael was liked and loved by everyone who knew him. He always helped people as much as he could, he will be dearly missed.

He is lovingly remembered by:

His children: Maverick Martel and Bailee-Jo Martel

His Parents:

Elaine Martel and Alex Fontaine

“A Special Uncle who was more than an Uncle – Joe Martel”

His Siblings:

LaLayne Martel (Shane Sharp) with daughters Miranda, Monica, Katlyn, Sabelle & Casey

Kamila Lakner Martel

Kale Lakner Martel (Emma Proulx) with son Korbyn Lakner

Numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Mike and the love of his life Robin together were reunited with his grandparents: Pete & Isabelle Martel,                        June Martel, Gerard and Kathleen Fontaine

Aunts: Kathy Gaudry, Yvonne Lendsay and Joan Scott-Fontaine

Uncles: Robert Gaudry and Leonard Zinovich

A Celebration of Life for Robin and Mike will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023 – 2:00pm at the Big River Community Hall, Big River, SK.

Interment will follow in the Big River Cemetery.

Friends so wishing may make donations to Big River Minor Sports (Ball Program) or The B.C. Children’s Hospital, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Website: bcchf.ca, Ph#: 604-449-6333, Toll Free 1-833-315-2133 memory of Robin Donald and Mike Martel.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, R. Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Big River, SK, 306-469-2277.

• Date : 2022-10-02
• Location : Surrey, BC