Martin is lovingly remembered for the joy he embodied, the love he radiated, and his delight in all things beautiful. For his exuberant impulse to move to the music—whether it was on the dancefloor, in the mosh-pit, or in the middle of the kitchen. For his playful sense of humour and his infectious laughter. For the love he shared with his partner John, a love so deep it seemed the two of them were one. For the loving bond he shared with his mother, from childhood through the later years of her life in care. For his innate appreciation of art—on the walls of museums or in objects of the natural world—and for his own artistic creativity.
The joy and love Martin shared with so many in his life remains a source of comfort to his family as they grieve his loss—to his partner John Clark; his sisters Céline (Franc Roiron), Dominique, Hélène (Leonard Bergmame), and Brigitte (François Giroux); his nieces and nephews Mischa, Élise, Isabelle, Pierre, Anne, Jean-Philippe, Vincent, and Marie-Andrée; and John’s brother Kenneth (Pamela Lockman). Martin’s six grandnieces and grandnephews will remember him as a loving and attentive great-uncle.
Martin’s many, many friends and colleagues who knew and loved him as a joyful presence in their lives are all deeply saddened by his death.
Martin grew up in Old Ottawa South and Alta Vista with his sisters and parents, the late Robert and Micheline Paris. He attended Charlebois High School, graduating in 1980. He graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in education and began his teaching career the following year in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, teaching French immersion for more than thirty years. He was a natural-born teacher, applying his talents outside the classroom from time to time at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the National Gallery of Canada. After his retirement, he appreciated the opportunity to work as a part-time mentor for new teachers. He also volunteered as a tutor at Centennial Public School and in the Ottawa Public Library’s reading program, where both the kids in the program and their parents valued the help he gave the kids with their reading skills.
A celebration of Martin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, followed by a reception.
Donations in Martin’s memory to Plan International or UNICEF, programs that Martin supported for many years, would be greatly appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Pam
Francine Kingsley
À toute la famille et proche de MR Martin Paris , je vous offre mes plus sincères condoléances .
Il est parti mais il ne sera pas oublié .
Manon Geoffroy
Sincères condoléances à toute la famille et les amis de Martin. Que les beaux souvenirs partagés avec lui soient une source de réconfort pour vous tous.
Helen Henshaw
I didn’t know Martin, but I’m a friend of Helene’s, and I understand the deep family bond they had, and how difficult this time is for family and friends. I send you all my deepest condolences, and I believe that his spirit lives on amongst you. May he rest in peace.
Suzanne Paris Sarda
Mes plus sincères condoléances à ses soeurs et à John. Quand Martin aimait quelqu’un il mettait son 100%. Les personnes aimé par Martin se sentaient importants et très chanceux de connaître un homme comme notre beau Martin. J’ai plusieurs cousins-es que j’adore mais Martin était mon cousin ou mon coeur fondait à chaque fois que je le voyais. Il était un gentleman de première classe. Je t’aime Martin. Repose en paix.
Daniaile Jarry
Even though I didn't know Martin, I know how much he was loved by his siblings and partner, and everyone who was lucky to know him. I am so sorry for your loss Hélène, and Len. My most heartfelt condolences to all family and friends.
Louise Presseault-Salesse
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille de Martin.
Danielle Paris
Mes sincères vœux de condoléances à John et la famille Paris. Son humour et amour me manque
Silvie Rhéaume
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille, aux amis et collègues qui ont connu Martin.
Quelle chance que Martin croise un jour mon chemin, il fut un collègue pendant 16 ans dans deux différentes écoles d’Ottawa.
Martin a été un enseignant dévoué, il a su se démarquer par son approche envers les élèves, ses talents, sa créativité, son implication et qui n’a pas apprécié sa calligraphie parfaite?
Que ce soit dans la salle des enseignants, d’un party de profs, d’une soirée dansante sur un bateau (croisière sur la rivière d’Ottawa), un repas au restaurant, une soirée Grammies… la présence de Martin assurait le rire et le plaisir.
J’ai été très bouleversée à l’annonce de son départ. Il va grandement nous manquer.
Silvie Rhéaume
J’ai eu de la chance que Martin croise un jour mon chemin, il fut un collègue pendant 16 ans dans deux différentes écoles d’Ottawa.
Martin, un enseignant dévoué, a su se démarquer par son approche envers les élèves, ses talents, sa créativité, son implication, son amours des Arts et qui n’a pas apprécié sa calligraphie parfaite?
Que ce soit dans la salle des profs, dans un party, d’une soirée dansante sur un bateau (croisière sur la rivière d’Ottawa), un repas au restaurant, une soirée Grammies, … la présence de Martin assurait le rire et le plaisir
J’ai été très bouleversée à l’annonce de son départ. Il va grandement nous manquer.
Sincères condoléances à la famille, à John et aux anciens collègues et à ses amis.
I am forever grateful for the time I had with my beautiful brother-in-law, Martin.
Condolences and love to all family and friends.