It is with deep regret and sadness that we advise you of the passing of Retired Fergus Fire Chief “Toph Martin” early this morning, May 3, 2012.
“Toph” began his career with the Fergus Fire Department in 1956. He was promoted to the position of Fire Chief in 1985 and became the “First Full-time Fire Chief” in 1988. Toph held that position until his retirement in 1993. His dedication to the Fire Department totaled 38 years.
After his retirement, he remained a member of the Fergus Firefighters Association and was a frequent visitor to the station enjoying conversations with the guys and having breakfast with the Duty Crew on Saturday mornings. He listened to his pager every day right up until he was hospitalized a couple of weeks ago. His Family, Friends and the Fire Service were his passion and his life.
Toph was the husband of Jean, father to Acting Captain John Martin and Firefighter Paul Martin, father-in-law to retired Deputy Chief Jack Karn (retired Public Works Supervisor), retired Firefighter Mark Holmes, and grandfather to Captain Jonathan Karn.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family, as they go through this difficult time of loss.
The family will receive their friends at the GRAHAM A. GIDDY FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 280 ST. DAVID ST. S. FERGUS:
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Saturday May 5th from 7-9 P.M. and
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Sunday May 6th from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the ST. JOSEPH ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 760 ST. DAVID ST. N. FERGUS. on
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Monday May 7th, 2012 at 11 A.M. followed by interment at the Belsyde Cemetery.
Fergus. R.C.L. Br 275 will conduct a service to be held at the funeral home on Sat at 6:30 P.M.
Parish prayers will be said at the funeral home on Sunday at 1:30 P.M.
Remembrances to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund or charity of ones choice would be appreciated by the family.
Brad Patton
Fire Chief for Centre Wellington