Raymond Russell Martin

Raymond Martin

The sun rose on February 10, 1964 and set on September 3, 2019 when my beloved son Raymond passed away at the Riverview Health Centre.

He was predeceased by his father, Jim and brother, Roy.

Left to mourn his loss is his mother, June, niece Carol Cassel (Eric) and great-niece Clara; his uncle Tom and Aunt Jackie; his uncle Arnold and Aunt Mary and family as well as his friends Paul and Jocelyn McAvoy, whose kindness to Raymond will never be forgotten, and Dawn, for the wonderful autographed football she gave to us for Raymond.  Although Raymond never got to see it, I know he is smiling down on you and is “thrilled” with the gift.

To all the nursing staff on PY3N thank you for all the care you gave to Raymond.  You were never too busy to listen to him when he needed to talk and you always managed to make him laugh.  To Allan, thank you for taking Raymond for coffee, when you were able, and watching Bomber and Jets games with him.  He really enjoyed those times.

To the cleaning staff who took the time to stop and talk with Raymond.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.

To Dr. R. Jayas, Dr. Eileff and Tina, thank you for all the care and understanding you gave to Raymond.  You always made him feel special. I will never forget you and the kindness you gave to my son. Raymond loved each and every one of you.

Raymond received a letter from Dr. Rajat Jayas, MD, FRPCPC University of Manitoba, Faculty of Health Sciences thanking him for his contributions to the education of medical learners from the years 2011 to 2016.  He was informed that his participation around interviewing sessions and his sharing of knowledge around lived experience with mental illness was valuable to both the students and teachers.:

In tears we saw you sinking,

We watched you fade away.

You suffered much in silence,

You fought so hard to stay.

You faced your task with courage,

Your spirit did not bend;

But still you kept on fighting

Until the very end.

God saw you getting tired

When a cure was not to be,

So, he put his arms around you

And whispered "Come to Me."

So, when we saw you sleeping,

So peaceful, free from pain,

We could not wish you back

To suffer that again.