Thomas Leslie Martin

In Loving Memory

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss, that the family of Thomas Leslie Martin share the news of his passing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 74. His children, Alyxandra (34) and Hunter (30), have made this written eulogy and created this webpage as a dedication to their life and memories with their late father, to share with their friends and family. He leaves behind a family that loved him dearly, and many memories that were still to be made.

Dad was born in a small town in Newfoundland on August 29, 1951, and lived in varying areas of South America, The USA, and Canada over the rest of his lifetime. He found a specific love for a special hometown city; Charlotte, North Carolina, before settling in Burlington, Ontario, and later Toronto, Ontario. We grew a deep love for the beach; specifically Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where they appreciated a slower pace to enjoying life. For Dad and his family; North Carolina was one of the highlights of their lives, creating core memories that were still recalled into his final days.

Our father in his younger years was an adventurer at heart - always seeking opportunities and experiences through travel, displayed throughout his 8 year career with Air Canada. He later took his experience in hospitality to a career in Food & Beverage, specifically in the realm of golf courses, shown in his decorated career successes at Pinehurst (NC), Rattlesnake Point (ON), and Lambton Golf & Country Club (ON), to name a few. He loved the mountains, skiing many North American locations and the Swiss Alps, he loved to hike in nature, relax with friends, & canoe in Muskoka. He paddled the Nahani River in the Yukon, could speak 5 languages, loved to be on the water boating and having fun with friends, and had a deep passion and respect for the outdoors. He saw the world, and experienced the world - and that is something to be celebrated. Dad loved watching sports (hockey & golf), and was passionate about great music - specifically Rock ‘n’ Roll, the drums, and anything with a good beat to dance to. He also enjoyed great films and documentaries, with his favourite films being Gladiator and Troy; he and his son watched these countless times together. Dad had a knack for creating memorable moments for friends and family, hosting get togethers like they were the most special event, while turning up his favourite songs on a high quality speaker, and sharing dances with those he loved. He didn’t just have a career in hospitality; he lived and breathed it as a passion, and this was a big part of who he was.

Our dad found a home in Burlington, Ontario in the early 2000’s and took great pride in being involved in the life of competitive sports with his two children. Hunter was a talented hockey player - a sport our dad had loved and played one season of his own. He enjoyed referring to Hunter’s speed as “wheels”, and would always be found standing and pacing during an intense game. Hunter played for the AAA Burlington Eagles from childhood through adolescence - the time they spent in the car travelling to and from games, at tournaments with the team and practicing together in the garage will be cherished forever. Outside of hockey, he never hesitated to fire up the barbecue to grill hotdogs and burgers for Hunter and his friends to enjoy as they spent time outdoors. Aly was an elite figure skater, representing Canada on the podium more than once. This was one of his favourite ways to introduce his daughter, and beamed with pride every time. Aly and Dad bonded over her love for Disney princesses as a child, playing dress up, driving to skating practice, listening to the John Tesh radio show, and picking her up from morning practice with a hot chocolate and double chocolate donut for the ride to school. Aly and Hunter will always remember their dad’s close relationship with their late family dogs, Holly and Charlie, who could always be found following our dad around the house, specifically outside chasing them around the pool he loved to tend to. It gives us comfort now that they are reconnected together in heaven.

He was a supporter of his children’s journeys through education, and was able to see many graduations of their educational milestones. They have both achieved Undergraduate and Master’s degrees in their fields, only adding to his fulfilling experience and pride in being their father. During their adult lives, Dad enjoyed the simple pleasures of quality time with us in Toronto and Milton, Ontario. Catch ups, events, and holidays often included the same favourites of his; having great conversations talking about personal & professional accomplishments and plans with his kids. He loved tending to a wood burning fire for our comfort and ambiance, making martinis and Caesar’s, and ensuring beers were full, all before sharing a perfectly cooked meal with a cold beer in hand; toasting to the next get together.

His zest for life, a burning desire to live big, to experience all he could, and share stories of perspective, will be remembered as dearly as they will be missed. Aly and Hunter will walk with these lessons and more throughout their lives. They will continue to share their adventure photos, stories, and memories made with their dad, knowing he’s watching and toasting them somewhere. Our dad beamed with smiles knowing his kids were out in the world learning, living, and taking life by the horns. His passing has created a lasting void in their hearts, but with room to live a life that makes his legacy proud, in what he has loved and left behind. Our dad will be remembered tenderly in our hearts as a loving father - one we want to make proud by living life adventurously and with grit as he did; soaking in every moment making memories with those closest to us.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and support of the Sunnybrook Hospital Palliative Care Team; notably Dr. Ni, Dr. Soriano, Danielle, Ellen, Barbara, and Margaret. They are to be commended on their professionalism, kindness, and sensitivity to our situation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Thomas Martin be made instead, and directed to The Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario.