Koorn, Martinus
August 8, 1935 – March 8, 2014
Martin Koorn passed away peacefully in Nanaimo General Hospital with his loving wife and family by his side.
Martin was predeceased by his father Martinus Koorn and his grandson, Alex Bernstein. Martin is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Jelly, his daughters Elizabeth Bernstein (Ralph) of Port Alberni, Sandra Koorn (Ken) of Nanaimo and son Martin Koorn (Catherine) of Royston, grandchildren Brandon Bernstein (Kyla), Warren Bernstein (Diane), Kristopher Bernstein (Shaylah), Laurel Koorn (Dave), Mitchell Koorn, Cheyenne Miller and two great grandchildren, Makenna and Beckett Bernstein.
Martin is also survived by his sister Elisabeth Nieuwenhuis (Evert), his brother Robert Koorn (Ineke) and his 105 year old mother, Elisabeth Koorn, all residing in the Netherlands.
Born in den Helder, Netherlands, Martin immigrated to Canada in 1957 with his wife, Jelly. After settling in Port Alberni in 1963, Martin began his 37 year millwright career with MacMillan Bloedel at Alpulp and later at the Harmac Pulp Mill in Nanaimo where he later retired.
Martin loved his family and always tried to do right by them, he loved boating, especially in the serene and natural ruggedness provided by the Barclay Sound and the Broughton Archipelago. In retirement, Martin found joy in stock investing and travelling with his wife, always making new friends along the way.
Martin was a life member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, having been a Commander in Port Alberni and a founding member of the Mount Brenton Power and Sail Squadron in Ladysmith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club (400 Newcastle Ave., Nanaimo) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.