Helge (Hal) Martinson

Hal was born on August 25, 1928 to Ole Anton and Aslaug Marie (Dokken) Martinson in Gjerdrum, Norway.  He came to Canada by steamship in 1930, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia before travelling by rail to Buchanan, Saskatchewan. In 1940, Ruth was born, a sister for Hal.  The family relocated to Okla, Saskatchewan where they continued to farm.  At the age of 21 Hal became a mechanic and began working in Sturgis for Wagner GMC.

A blind date led Hal to meet Bonnie Kerr.  They married on December 17, 1966.  They were blessed with a daughter, Shelley, on January 24, 1968 before moving to Moosomin where Hal worked for Bradley’s GMC.  Eldon was born on May 12, 1970.  The family then relocated to Esterhazy where Hal began working for Kleyson’s Transport as a heavy-duty mechanic.  In June of 1973, he accepted a job at the Esterhazy IMC potash mine.  Jason was born on November 28 of that same year.

In August of 1993, after a long career, Hal retired.  At that time, his goal was to make the year 2000.

Hal enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, friends, camping and helping on the farm.  He taught us about the strength of family and the importance of appreciating each day.

On January 5, 2015, Bonnie passed away.  Hal moved into senior’s housing where he met Shirley Scheirer.  They were married on June 18, 2016.  Once again Hal was on the move.  In 2021 he and Shirley moved to Watrous, SK where he would spend his final years.

Hal passed away peacefully at 96 years of age at the Watrous Union Hospital, with family at his bedside.

Hal is predeceased by his parents, Ole and Marie Martinson, and his first wife Helen Yvonne (Bonnie) Martinson.

He leaves to treasure his memory, his second wife Shirley and family, daughter Shelley (Sterdie), Taylor (Zach and Makenna), Madeleine and Colton, sons Eldon (Karen) Brooke, Jade and Jason (Bobbi) Chelsea, Shiann, sister Ruth, as well as many dear nephews, nieces and friends.

Thank you for sharing in our celebration of Hal’s life!