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.