In memory of a big, generous man
He was a big man with a big personality, big heart, big sense of humour, and big passion for the building industry.
Mike Martin, who, with his wife, Suzanne Martin, began the multi-award-winning Residential Renovations company more than 30 years ago, passed away in April following a tough battle with cancer.
He is remembered in the Ottawa renovation industry and beyond for his vision, work, integrity, and leadership in the community.
To honour their friend and industry colleague, The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) has established the Mike Martin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Bursary.
GOHBA has a fundraising goal of $25,000, which will establish an annual bursary to support students following in Mike’s footsteps in Algonquin’s Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program in Perth.
“Mike had a passion that was really unmatched,” said Pierre Dufresne, Vice-President, Land Development with Tartan Homes, who volunteered alongside Martin at GOHBA for several years. “His pride, his devotion, his conviction, and the joy he took in his work, is what people are going to remember him by.”
Originally from Labrador, Mike arrived in Ottawa in the early 1980s, where he attended the Carpentry program at Algonquin College’s Perth Campus. He was an instrumental force in bringing the RenoMark® program to Ottawa. RenoMark® promotes and improves industry standards for both renovators and consumers.
In 2019 GOHBA awarded Mike an honorary membership for his contribution and commitment to the professional renovation industry.
“Mike took on leadership roles at the local, provincial and national levels of the Home Builders’ Association,” said Steve Barkhouse, President of Amsted Design-Build and one of Mike’s long-time friends. “He believed in giving back to the industry, and that the best way to promote professionalism was to set the example yourself.”
To donate to the Mike Martin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Bursary, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/63027/donation.