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Huia Martin
March 28, 1950 - June 12, 2024
Tribute
Huia Martin / Te Huia Matena
A Scholar, Teacher, Student, Mentor, Coach, Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Huia, age 74 passed away peacefully at home on June 12 surrounded by his loving family.
Huia leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Yvonne, three children Hayley, Bradley (Julie-Anna), Julia (Tony) and three grandchildren Jackson, Rowan and Zoey.
Huia was born in Taumarunui, New Zealand and grew up the eldest boy in a family of eight siblings. After obtaining his teaching certificate, he moved to Mercury Bay where he started a rugby club and met and married his sweetheart, Yvonne.
Huia and Yvonne moved to Canada over 40 years ago for a bit of adventure and to continue the teaching career he started in his homeland of New Zealand. He taught a few years at SOSS before establishing himself at Tuc el Nuit Elementary in Oliver where he and Yvonne raised their family. Huia, always keen to improve himself and others, continued his education receiving his Masters of Education from Gonzaga University in the 90’s, whilst making an impact within the community as both a teacher & coach. Huia brought his love of rugby with him to Canada as a founding member of the Penticton Harlequins Rugby Club as well as introducing the game to the Grade 6 boys he taught at Tuc el Nuit and later to SOSS. One of his proudest achievements as a coach was leading the SOSS team to the Provincial Championships in 1997 – a feat that had never happened before, nor since.
Huia, not content to stay put, moved up north to Dease Lake in the summer of ’97. He stayed for 10 years, continuing to challenge himself and others in the field of education, though he did return to the Okanagan during the summers to spend time with family and friends. Huia took his talents in education to Zeballos (Vancouver Island), Native Education College (Vancouver), Sen Pok Chin (Oliver) and ntatqwn school (Cawston).
Huia enjoyed many trips back to his native home of New Zealand to visit with friends and family. Always up for an adventure, he and Yvonne spent time traveling throughout BC, the US and abroad during their retired years.
Huia’s hobbies were many and included playing and coaching rugby, playing his guitar, singing songs, some of which he created with friends, golfing and fishing. He was an avid reader, a whizz at completing puzzles, a great cook and BBQ chef, and he loved a good beer with friends.
Never one to sit still, Huia continued to be an active member of the community after he retired. He entertained visitors driving wine shuttles and as a taxi driver. When a round of golf became a bit too challenging, he took the opportunity to stay on the course and interact with friends and other golfers by taking up the role of Marshall and using his trademark humour to keep players on track.
Huia had a positive impact on so many lives and wherever he went, someone always seemed to know him. He remembered them all and would greet them with a smile, then take time to recall a memory of their shared time together.
Though Huia faced health challenges in recent years, he remained full of gratitude, love and kindness. His smile, welcoming nature, and sense of humour stayed with him until the end.
We will be holding a Celebration of Life on Monday June 24 at 5pm at Fairview Mountain Golf Course.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Desert Valley Hospice.
Condolences
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From: Cindy and Mal Bearman
Relation: Friend and colleague
We will always remember Huia’s beautiful smile, the twinkle in his eye and his soft chuckle. Our thoughts and prayers are with Yvonne and the family at this difficult time.
From: Guy Cooper
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Huia. He was an incredible influence on my life during my years at SOSS from 1994 to 1996. His dedication to hard work, fair play, and toughness left an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of being coached by him.
Coach Huia was not just a mentor on the rugby field, but a life teacher who instilled values that have stayed with me throughout the years. His commitment to excellence and his honourable character were truly inspiring, shaping not only better athletes but better individuals.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time Yvonne, Hailey, Brad and Julia. Coach Huia will be greatly missed by everyone who had the fortune to know him.
From: Monique Pharand
Relation: Co-worker
How difficult to say Aurevoir… Throughout my entire teaching career after moving to Dease Lake, his unfaltering objective to support, guide, and believe in students served as my guiding light. I offer my sincere condolences to you Yvonne and your family.
From: jerry and sandra albo
Relation: fellow educator
Yvonne and family it is a sad time to lose your dear loved one. When last we talked you were concerned by his health issues but he kept his Humor, joy and care in dealing with what life brings. Our prayers are with you.
From: Roxy Simpson
I may not have known you personally but to know your wife,Yvonne, speaks volumes about your goodness, kindness and humanity. Your legacy lives on in her as a symbol of grace, charm and spirit. My warmest thoughts to you and to the wonderful family you have who will carry you in their hearts forever.
From: Dwayne and Darlene Svendsen
Relation: Colleague and friend.
We were so sorry to hear of Huia’s passing. He was a true friend and devoted colleague who served his community well. Huia’s smile and caring attitude will be sadly missed by all. Heartfelt condolences go out to all members of Huia’s immediate Family…the Man may be gone but the memories will live on!
From: John and Mary Suttie
Relation: Friend
Huia was a great friend and colleague and I first met him when he came from NZ. and started working at SOSS around 1980. Later we were reunited on the Tuc el Nuit staff. He had a great sense of humor and a very easy way about him that made him so likeable! Huia helped others when they needed it and shared his wisdom and insights when asked. There are so many positive things to say about about him- he will be missed by many. Our sincere condolences to Yvonne, Hayley, Bradley and Julia and all the extended family members from Oliver to New Zealand.
From: Ian Butters
Relation: Fellow devotee of the dark arts of rugby
The world is a lesser place in the absence of Huia Martin. He was the model of a gentleman athlete and the kind of person we could all aspire to emulate.
From: Lesley Schwass
Relation: cousin of Yvonne's
Much love prayers and sympathy to you Yvonne and family from your cousin Lesley and her family
From: Sharon Ewin
I’m very sorry to hear of Huia’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
June 24, 2024
Beginning at 5:00pm
Location:
Fairview Mountain Golf Course.
933 Old Golf Course Rd
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T1
Monday June 24 at 4pm at Fairview Mountain Golf Course.
933 Old Golf Course Rd
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T1
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
Video Tribute
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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