On Friday, March 18th, Martin Childs, loving husband and father of two, passed away suddenly at age 49 years old. Martin was born in Truro, Cornwall, UK on December 9, 1972, to Jean Burtenshaw and Roger Childs (deceased). Martin is survived by his loving wife, Julianne (nee English), treasured daughter, Jessica and adored son, Andrew. He is also survived by his brilliantly supportive parents, Jean and Wayne Jacobson, and devoted brother, David (Sandy). Martin was the much beloved uncle of nine nieces and nephews, brother-in-law of six who laughed with him, and son-in-law of Jim and Betty-Anne English who cherished him.
Martin, Julianne, Jessica, and Andrew made their home in Sidney, BC. Martin loved his career in aviation and was advancing as Director of Operations with VIH.
As a child, Martin was outgoing, adventurous, and willing to try anything at least once, and he did so right throughout his adult life. He has instilled these wonderful traits in his children and taught them to live life to the fullest. Martin could not be prouder of his children. Martin was the greatest love of Julianne’s life and as soulmates they had so many more adventures planned for the future. Martin will be remembered as a great mentor to those whose lives he touched, and there were many. A kind, compassionate, loving soul, he celebrated those little moments and made everyone around him feel supported. Martin lived his life honestly, respectfully, and completely.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 18th at Mary Winspear Community Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Martin will be fondly remembered as “a legend”. His absence leaves a deep hole in our hearts.
…Zippo
Times Like These
I, I’m a one way motorway
I’m the one that drives away
Then follows you back home
I, I’m a street light shining
I’m a wild light blinding bright
Burning off and on
It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again
It’s times like these time and time again
I, I’m a new day rising
I’m a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?
It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again
It’s times like these time and time again
RIP bud.
Julianne, may you find comfort in knowing that Martin touched so many people. My heart goes out to you and Jessica and Andrew. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Julianne. Although we only knew your family briefly while we shared watching our children in triathlon the loss of an incredible family man leaves a hole in the world. I enjoyed watching your family’s adventures through Facebook. Your lives interacting with ours made my world a better place. It is an incredible treasure to have love and family. I wish your family the best going forward.
Kimberly ashley and bradley christison
Martin, I will never forget the first time I held you in my arms in Cornwall in 1972. Your arrival made me an Aunty at the age of 12! I have so many wonderful memories, too many to revisit here. You have been taken from us far too soon, you had so much living to do, so many more adventures and so much love to give. Rest in peace knowing you made a difference to so many lives with your kindness, generosity and love.
Aunty Tricia & Uncle Paul
Martin was such a gem, and always so fun to be around.
Thinking of you all and sending strength and love.
Dear Julianne, Jessica and Andrew, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to your whole family at this time.
When I was 5 years old my Mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy”. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life. (John Lennon). Martin, YOU understood life. More than anyone I think I have ever met. I will miss you Martin, I so enjoyed hearing all about your adventures, travel, paddle boarding, your incredible zest for life and your great love, admiration, pride and joy for Julianne, Jessica and Andrew was inspirational. The kindness, compassion and support you gave me when my Mom’s well-being and health was failing, and you said just GO, go be with her back home in Alberta, take whatever time you need, Family is what’s most important, meant the world to me. My heartfelt, deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Toodles
My heartfelt thoughts are with you Julianne and family. We were so saddened to hear of Martin’s sudden passing. You are in our prayers . Debbie and Carly Christiaens
I am so sorry for your loss. Martin was a great man, I knew him more as a work related colleague for several years. He was always very friendly and professional and I’m very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences go out to his family and friends
There are no words that can desribe the loss of a genuine loving individual such as Martin. We have many memories to hang onto. Julianne, you and your family only have to call whenever you need any help. Malcolm and Angela.
Oh my I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is just breaking. Julianna please know if there is anything I can do call on me.
Joe and I are so very sorry.
Claudia and Joe Hancock
It is with deep sadness that I write this note. Martin had such a spark and zest for life, a sense of humour and a joy for the next adventure big or small. It was clear to anyone who saw him that he was devoted to his family. I will cherish all the wonderful memories we have created through the years. The fun shenanigans that went on and Martin’s willingness to join in place with the kids and hard work (and play) with the adults. I am so blessed to have known him and to have had the privilege of spending time with Martin and his family. Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to Julianne, Jessica and Andrew along with all of the extended family and friends. Martin will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace paddling and flying into your new horizon.
Martin was so much fun to work with on the ramp in yyj. I always enjoyed the shifts together. No matter how crazy things could get, his level head kept the crew organized. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Sending much love to his family
Martin was so loved. He always had time to say hello and made everyone feel special. My deepest condolences to all his family.
Needless to say we were shocked and sadden to hear of his passing. My brothers and I will always remember his outgoing and funny personality. We were lucky to have lived next door to him and his family in our teen years. Our condolences to the whole family.RIP my friend.
We were heartbroken to hear of Martins sudden passing. He was such and friendly kind person. Our hearts go out to Julianne as it was so evident that you were soulmates and to Jessica and Andrew for their profound loss.
Martin I am absolutely gutted heartbroken that you left us way too early. You were not only an incredible person, so adventurous, amazing friend, son, husband and father, you were truly so special to so many and so funny, I’ll miss our daily waves as we dropped our youngest off at school. Raising our oldest together through all the different stages, taking care of each other’s kids and pets when needed basically alway having each others backs. I will 100% always think of you and smile and remember all the years of memories. Sending so much love and warm hugs to your whole family and our condolences this is an epic loss! I Love You My Friend ❤️❤️❤️Rest in Peace❤️❤️❤️
What I remember of Martin, his forever youth. In his late twenties early thirties, how mature he was for such a young face. When he drop by Mary’s his smile his aura his composure all the karma that came out his great personality. That was always a honor and privilege to serve Martin and friends. At the airport Wayne would speak so proudly of him, Martin did a lot of good things. Martin keep your sunglasses on, heaven can be quite bright. Be with the angels because you are one yourself.
Amen my man. Daniel M.
To be cherished and loved by so many is such a gift and legacy that we all aspire to. We extend our deepest sympathy to you all. John and France Carpendale
Martin is a fond part of my memories at YYJ. Always kind, always professional. He will be greatly missed here. My most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues from Chris and I.
Marty McFly I Will always remember our times together when I worked at the FBO. Your life was filled with adventure and the love for family.
RIP brother.
Martin
Just as we hold your loved ones in our hearts at this time, they hold the flame of your life in their hearts for all time. You are missed in ways you could never guess. God’s speed Martin.
Martin,
I had the honour the pleasure of calling you my Brother in-law for more the 20 years. You were a well loved man, you lived life one adventure to the next. An inspiring life full of wonderful memories. Rest In Peace my good man, likely on a paddle board some where beautiful.
An incredible, loving, very special man. Our hearts are hurting for your families and for us.
Dearest Martin, although it’s been some time since I’ve seen you, I will miss you terribly. You were like a son to me when you, Ryan and Nolan were in Junior High & High School. You three were inseparable. Ryan always spoke so highly of you and your family. You will so missed by everyone who knew you. We will always love you!!
My sincere condolences to your wife and children and the rest of your family.
Such an amazing soul. This loss will be felt forever in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. Julianne and family my heart is broken for all of you. Sending all the love I can to you. May you find joy in your memories. Much love.
So sorry for your loss Julianne, Jessica and Andrew. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you are and will continue to be in our thoughts. Christie and Jeff always spoke well of Martin and your family and enjoyed their time on their adventures with your family.
Martin Martymart, you have been such a wonderful friend over the years! I do not know of a person who was so caring about others and always in on doing just about anything and often at the drop of a hat. Family trips together were always great times with the Childs family and you were the reason. Your zest for life and love for Julianne, Jessica, and Andrew was evident to all who knew you. An exemplary Father, a Loving husband, son, son-in- law ,brother, brother-in-law, coach, and mentor only begins to describe the man you were.
I am privileged to have known you and your loving family. Like everyone who knew you I too will miss all the interesting times we will not have because you were taken so suddenly from us all.
Love you big guy forever and always
Peter
Oh Martin, how could you leave us? We love you deeply and miss you completely. Your legacy will live on through your beautiful family.
I met Martin on the trip to Tuktoyaktuk, when that wonderful obituary photo was taken. While I only met and knew Martin for 2 weeks (during that amazing adventure) his personality, his adventurous spirit and his love of life resonated with me and everyone one on that trip. The passing of a young, healthy person who had so much more to do and so much more to contribute to our world is always a tragedy; this is a very sad example of this way-too-early passing. My deepest sympathy to the Childs, English and extended families at this time.
Martin was a great guy he will be missed dearly. I first meet him in elementary school kindergarten or grade 1 and we stayed friends throughout our school years. He never changed he was always kind, caring and would do anything for anyone. Even years later when my son was looking into being a pilot he took the time to talk to me about what my son needed to do but that’s who he was. My deepest condolences to your family. You are with the angels now watching over everyone
Martin was a joy to work with,he always had time to say hello and have a quick chat. He loved his family and was so proud of them. No words can mend your broken hearts. My deepest sympathies to you all. May the many memories comfort you. Know you all have amazing support and love.
Let us not mourn the loss of the flame but celebrate how brightly it shone.
Our family will never be the same without you Martin. You will be so incredibly missed. Love you