Harry Martens

Harry Joseph Martens July 30, 1942 – January 9, 2025
82 years

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harry Joseph Martens on the evening of Thursday, January 9, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his community. 

Harry was born to Henry and Anna Martens (nee Bergen) on July 30, 1942, as the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm just north of Osler, where he cultivated a lifelong passion for working with animals — everything from the cows to the cats. 

Early involvement in 4H played a pivotal role in shaping Harry’s life. He often reminisced about sleeping under the grandstand at the Saskatoon Exhibition and taking in the sights and sounds of the midway. Those experiences made a lasting impression on him. It reinforced his desire to lead an honest and honourable life.

On June 12, 1964, Harry married Eva Martens in the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church in Hague. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three daughters — Sheila, Laura, and Anna — on the family farm where he was born and raised. 

A devoted dairy farmer, Harry appreciated the art of showing cattle and was a very accomplished showman himself. During the 1970s and 1980s, Harry proudly exhibited his award-winning herd across the province and even as far as Vancouver and Toronto. He also enjoyed delivering livestock to interested buyers. He had a fondness for making connections and sharing stories with everyone he crossed paths with. In 2015, at the age of 73, Harry decided to retire and focus on volunteering; going to hockey games; and socializing with family, friends, and patrons of the Osler Restaurant. 

Harry’s life was characterized by his affinity for people, an unwavering work ethic, skillful humour, and compassion for others. He was genuinely guided by the principle of “meeting people where they’re at.” He and Eva devoted more than 35 years to volunteer service. Together they visited incarcerated individuals at the Federal Penitentiary in Prince Albert, the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon, and served on the Citizen Advisory Committee for Willow Cree Healing Lodge (Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation). They also opened their farm to inner-city youth from Prince Albert; hosted Warman high school students in the Work Experience Program; and provided opportunities for international exchange students from Costa Rica, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Switzerland, and Germany to live and work on the farm.

Harry’s dedication extended to his local community as well. He served as a deacon and board member of the Osler Mennonite Church. He took joy in coaching his daughter Anna’s softball team. He also served on the board of the Holstein Association of Saskatchewan. In recognition of their remarkable contributions, Harry and Eva were awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2017 by the Lieutenant Governor, a worthy acknowledgment of their extensive service. 

Harry was also a lifelong hockey enthusiast and proud Saskatoon Blades season ticket holder for nearly 40 years. He attended games up until November 30, 2024. Harry had an inquisitive nature and believed in “seeing Saskatchewan first.” This took him on many drives down country roads, seeking out rustic churches and unique landmarks, exploring neighbouring towns and villages, all while enjoying the beauty of the prairies. Harry also had a fondness for music and the arts and believed in supporting local theatre. Harry and Eva regularly attended The Barn Playhouse, The Station Arts Centre in Rosthern, gospel music events, and many community functions. With his devoted wife always by his side, Harry’s warmth and wit resonated with those he met along the way. 

In 2022, Harry faced serious health challenges that would unfortunately transition him away from the farm and into the Saskatoon Convalescent Home. This was not an easy change, but he approached this stage of life with strength and stoicism. While in care, he remained his gentle-natured self, making it known to the nurses and care aids that they would have a “special place in heaven” for their efforts. His desire to relate to others and make people laugh never diminished. Harry will always be remembered this way.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Harry in our lives. Though we grieve his passing, we are relieved that he is free from the struggles of his earthly body. We will smile as we recall his jokes, reflect on his offerings of wisdom and advice, and never forget his distinctive gift for leading by example.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eva Martens; daughter, Sheila (Adam) Ashley; daughter, Laura (Alan) Hildebrand; daughter, Anna (Aspen) Beveridge; and four grandchildren: Christopher Giesbrecht, John Hildebrand, Luke Hildebrand, and Rachel (Jordan) Janzen. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Anna; siblings, Ruben Martens, Elsie Martens, and Ernie Martens.

A celebration of Harry’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 2:00PM at Osler Mennonite Church. If you are unable to attend in person, please follow the link to watch Harry's live stream: https://www.youtube.com/@OslerMennoniteChurch/streams

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute to Harry are encouraged to make a donation to KidSport (www.kidsportcanada.ca), as Harry would want every child to be able to play hockey if they so desire.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Harry Martens' care and arrangements.