Wayne Herbert MARTENS

I’m Wayne Martens and my birthday is October 1st! That is how our beloved brother Wayne would greet new people and let you know what was important to him.  

Wayne Herbert was the fourth child born in 1961 to Albert and Irene Martens.  The early years were challenging as Down syndrome presented developmental learning delays, but he also filled our lives with joy.

When Wayne reached school age, a special needs school opened in Rosetown.  It took 7 years of persistence by Mrs. Glass for Wayne to learn to tie his shoes rather than tie the laces into knots.  Wayne excelled at running and won numerous ribbons at the Special Olympics events in which he competed.  

Wayne loved sports! He learned to downhill ski. He enjoyed attending the hockey and ball games of his brothers Brent and Darren. He knew the schedule of the Rosetown Redwings and he absolutely loved the Saskatchewan Roughriders. 

When Brent died the summer of 1994, it was Wayne’s childlike faith that reminded us to have hope.  He would tell us: don’t be sad, Brent is in heaven.  Wayne was a helpful support to both Mom and Dad as they aged.  While he could be stubborn and say no, he usually agreed to get what Mom or Dad needed; unless of course he was watching a hockey or football game. When Dad died, he was a companion for Mom in her loneliness.

Wayne learned to pray by following the example of our Dad. He continued the tradition of lengthy prayers, with Dad’s rhythm and intonation; including praying for all our loved ones.  On October 1, 2017 Wayne was baptized and he loved the celebration where the church recognized his love for Jesus.

The isolation of COVID was difficult for Wayne.  On Sundays he would say to Mom; let’s go to church.  When Mom would say there is no church, he would reply: well then let's go to church in Herschel or in Rosetown.  

Pizza may have been Wayne’s favourite food, but he had lots of favourites. When she would forget to put away the brownies she would find the half eaten pan in Wayne’s closet.  

Wayne moved to Rose Villa in Rosetown the fall of 2021.  He enjoyed having visitors and the weekly Sunday afternoon ice-cream cones.  Our star of Bethlehem, as Dad called Wayne, died in his sleep on April 3. While we grieve, we also celebrate and treasure the gift he was to so many. 

Wayne was predeceased by our grandparents- John and Anna Martens and Anna Hampel; our parents, Albert and Irene Martens;  and our brother Brent. Wayne will be remembered by his siblings Gary, Debra Smith (Norm); Karen Martens Zimmerly (Terry), Darren (Krista), as well as Wayne’s nine nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 7:30-8:00 p.m. at Shanidar Funeral Services and the Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fiske Mennonite Church immediately followed by pizza and pop at the Fiske Hall. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Fiske Mennonite Church, Box 89, Fiske, SK, 0L 1C0, or to the Rosetown Health Foundation.