MARTIN, Allen George ~ age 85 of Port Lorne, Annapolis Co., N.S. Allen passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, at home.  Born on June 10, 1938, in Harmony, Queens County, NS, he was the son of the late Reg and Clara (Ritcey) Martin.  He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Willcocks); his son, Sheldon (Tammy), Ontario; his daughter, Anita (Greg) Galloro, Ontario; Trish Fowler (daughter by choice); three grandchildren, all of Ontario; sister, Carol Ann Maclean (Paul Sherman), Nictaux; niece, Donna (Mike) Durling, Bridgetown (who have been a great help over the last few months); many loving nieces and nephews who have spent time with him camping and enjoying jokes around the campfires; sister-in-law, Marilyn Paul, Calgary, Alta.

Besides his parents, Allen is predeceased by his brothers, Dennis, Melvin, and Ernest; infant sister, Rozenna; brother-in-law, David MacLean; sister-in-law, Marge Martin.

Allen was always helping others.  If you needed anything, all you had to do was pick up the phone.  He saved and collected everything just so if someone needed it, he would have it to give.  He helped friends and family with repairs to computers, paperwork that needed to be filled out and if they needed guidance.  He also helped with many things that included physical help like taking his truck out to help his sister pull down a trailer so it could be hauled away.  There was nothing he couldn't do.

Allen enjoyed many hours tinkering in his shop, wood carving, jams, country music and dancing with his wife.  He enjoyed time on his computer checking out what family and friends were up to and posting many jokes.  He loved camping out to family's property and on the Mersey Gate with family and friends.  The last few months, due to health issues, he and his wife still attended the jams but unable to dance they just enjoyed the music.

Allen had the best memory and could tell you everything right back to childhood.  The cars he had, where they lived and probably if you questioned him, he could have given street addresses and license plate numbers.  He knew a gazillion jokes and told them often.  Sometimes Joyce would say "here we go again".  He even told jokes to all the doctors and nurses every time he was in for treatments.  No matter how he was feeling he could still tell a joke.  If you knew Allen, you would have at least heard one or a dozen jokes.

He met his wife roller skating in Toronto and he also loved water skiing at his mother and father-in-law's cottage.

Allen joined the RCAF at the age of 18 and spent nine years serving his country.  They travelled to many places including France for four years. He and the love of his life Joyce (age 17) and him (age 21) were posted one year after getting married.  Even at such young ages, they lived away from family and made every second count.  They were married on December 12, 1959, and have been married and in love for almost 64 years.  Joyce was the love of his life.  Right up until he passed, his main concern was that everything was put in place for her.  He made sure she would be looked after, and he didn't have to worry.

After nine years with RCAF he worked for IBM.  He made many trips over the province fixing computers for the banks.  After losing his oldest brother Dennis to cancer, he decided to retire and enjoy life.  He has been retired for 29 years and has enjoyed time camping, fishing, wood carving, tinkering in his garage, fixing and building things, also helping anyone he could.

Allen also enjoyed their family pets (dogs and cats).  He also fed the birds, feral cats, a family of three skunks or anything else that dropped by his yard for a snack.

Allen and Joyce had a great 64 years together.  They enjoyed travelling to newplaces, vacations, moves and many new homes due to his jobs for RCAF and IBM.  Joyce always said, "I've been moved".  They enjoyed many new to them motor homes and trailers. They were always together.  It was kind of a family joke out at the family's campground. "Wonder what Uncle Al and Aunt Joyce will be driving this year". Always so much love and joy.  He will truly be missed by all that knew him, especially his loving wife.

Allen has also helped in his death.  He had in place that his body was to be donated to Dalhousie for organ donation and for research and study for medical students to help others in future.  He was always thinking of others.

Celebration of life will be held at Brickton Community Hall, 12062 Highway 1, Brickton, from 2-4 p.m., on Friday, November 17, 2023 . On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com