Orlando Martens

Orlando Benjamin Martens was born on May 25, 1937 to Jacob and Susie Martens of Main Centre, Saskatchewan. He was the third of a family of 4 boys.  Orlando grew up on the family farm where he developed his early love of animals, especially horses. His early school years were at the Lobethal School, a small country school not far from the farm and he frequently rode the distance on horseback.  High school was completed at the 4 room school at Main Centre.  It was here that he noticed a young girl, Verna Cornelsen and it wasn't long before the 2 became high school sweethearts.  Orlando went on to take a year at Prairie Bible Institute at Three Hills, Alberta and also a year of Agricultural Science at U of S in Saskatoon. About this time, some land became available for purchase and Orlando's dream of farming and ranching became a reality. Orlando and Verna were married on July 05, 1958 and began a busy life of farming, ranching and raising 3 boys; Douglas, Gary and Joel. Orlando farmed with his father until 1973 and subsequently with his brother Walter for 36 years. During this time, he also farmed and ranched with his son Gary until Orlando gradually retired.  He loved raising cattle and enjoyed the creation and stewardship of the grasslands along Diefenbaker Lake and the Vermilion Hills at his ranchland at Glen Kerr.  When he was only 26 years old, he worked to successfully establish the Riverside Grazing Co-op, seeing this as an opportunity for ranchers from Stewart Valley to Main Centre for the purpose of grazing pasture along the shores of Lake Diefenbaker.

Orlando took an active part in community activities serving for many years on the local telephone, school and recreation boards.  He served as board member for Pioneer Co-op and on the senior citizens home in Herbert.   As the lake became a reality, Orlando was a founding member of the Herbert Ferry Regional Park, serving as President for 14 years. When local businesses were closing in the town of Main Centre, Orlando with two friends, saw the need for maintaining a service to the community and opened and operated J.O.E.'s service station and garage for several years. Other interests were his participation in the early explorations of wind power development, as well as being an active member of a feedlot association near Herbert.  

Orlando accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was later baptized and became a member of the Main Centre MB Church.  He taught Sunday school, served as Usher and supported various ministries of the church, including West Bank Bible Camp as a board member.

His love for his wife was clear to all around and they lived inseparable lives together for 67 years.  They enjoyed many years, traveling locally and abroad creating many lasting memories.  He was a loving husband and father who was always supportive of Verna's love of music and her career as a music teacher.   Seeing the boys grow and using their various talents, each with a commitment to living out their faith and values with the added influence of church, community, teachers, friends and family was a special blessing to him.  The family enjoyed many hours of fun at the lake, boating, swimming, fishing, picnics and barbeques, and later, entertaining friends and family at their waterfront RV.  Waterskiing became a favorite pastime for the boys.  Their Dad loved the hours spent towing them around on the lake. 

The years went by, and before long, weddings brought daughters-in-law and the added blessing of 9 grand-children and eventually, 2 great grandsons.  He loved spending time with them on the farm, at the lake, at family reunions, birthday celebrations and more.  As families moved, frequent visits to the Yukon, Victoria and Alberta to see them all became a priority.

Leaving to mourn Orlando's passing are his beloved wife, Verna, sons, Douglas, Gary (Sonja), and Joel (Kim). Grandchildren, Joshua, Matthias, Kit and Aiyana, and their mother Birgit; Sean (Emily) Tessa, Tyler (April); Jonah and Graham. Great-grandsons, Orlando and Adam; step-grandson, Jacob Chapin, one brother, Walter (Merrilyn). Nine nephews and nieces and many friends and neighbors.

Orlando was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Susie Martens, brother Elmer and sister-in-law Phyllis, brother Menno and sister-in-law Annabelle, sister-in-law Diana and niece Rhonda, and grandson Tyson, and by his father and mother-in-law, John F and Esther Cornelsen.

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