Obituary of Martin Wade Funk

FUNK, MARTIN WADE

MAY 18, 1969 – MARCH 25, 2019

Martin "Marty" Funk passed away in his home in McLean, SK on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 49 years of age. He was predeceased by his mother Margery.  He is survived by his father Alvin; and siblings Nadine and Heather. While mourning their loss, his children Lyon and Silas, celebrate the fact that Martin has found peace in his final resting place.

Martin was born in Brandon, MB and was described as a delightful baby and young boy. Social from the moment he could walk, he would wander around coffee shops and introduce himself to the room, "My name is Marter (Martin) Funk, what is your name?” His curiosity and sincere interest in people stayed with him throughout his life. He connected with people, and was admired and befriended by all for his solid character.

He attended elementary school and high school in Gilbert Plains, MB. His absolute favourite thing to do was drive; from that very first green garden tractor to dirt bikes, skidoos, cars, and trucks. He liked speed, and loved taking calculated risks.  He was the life of the party and the ultimate social convener.  Martin showed up for his friends, and was always at the front line of excitement. He valued hard work and helping people, and was known as the go to guy to bring people together to get a project done. He enjoyed sports and proudly wore a captain’s jersey for his high school volleyball team. President of the high school, Floor Representative of McMaster Hall, he was a leader, a planner, and a loyal friend.  Martin had an endless supply of energy and potential.

At 18 years of age he attended Brandon University and completed his degrees in Science (BSc) and in Education (BEd). With his extrovert personality, passion for fun, and natural leadership and sales abilities he earned a summer position working with Labatt Brewing Company. Once finished his schooling, he had to make a significant decision to pursue a career as a teacher, or rise the ranks in sales and management with Labatt Brewing Company. It was an easy choice for him, and he did exceedingly well. What started as a summer student position grew into a very successful lifetime career. He worked on their sales management team in Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. 

Together with the mother of his children, Suzanne, he raised two beautiful boys. They enjoyed life in Star Lake Alberta for their early childhood years, finally landing in White City, SK and making roots.  Martin shared with the boys his passion for dirt bikes, and sports. It was important to Martin that the boys enjoyed life. Lyon and Silas were the absolute highlight of his life.  Martin's descent into alcoholism happened over time, and the last decade of his life was an unmanageable struggle. He remained optimistic, and kept hopes and dreams for a peaceful life. Martin often spoke with pride as he watched his boys grow up, and anticipated great things for them both.  Alcoholism caused chaos, pain, and one crisis after another. He met alcoholism on his own terms, and tried to manage his recovery in his own way. Martin had strong supports and several fierce friends and family members in his corner urging him to win this battle. Many who loved and knew him well also knew he was battling inner demons he once described in a poem as "the Monsters on his Bus".  For those close to him, it was agonizing to witness his efforts to try to quiet those monsters in his mind and find the peaceful path it was clear he was yearning for. It became a tragic downward spiral for him. Despite all, he lived on with strength in his belief that he was going to make it.

Martin is loved, and is missed. He touched many lives, and even those who weren't physically present in the final years share the grief in Martin's loss, knowing it has come much too soon, and wished there had been another way.

A Service in Martin's Memory will be held at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK, on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m..  For those so wishing, memorial donations in Martin’s name may made to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation- Regina General Hospital- The Wendy Fink Mood Disorder for youth peer support group, 1874 Scarth Street, Regina, SK, S4P 4B3.