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
Roy & Linda Parsons-Styker
John and Sharon Ambridge
We live in the same condo building as Martin and John, and I can honestly say that all of us who had the great good fortune to know Martin were deeply affected by his passing. He was just such a lovely guy, always smiling and so friendly, despite the serious issues he was dealing with recently. And he could knowledgeably discuss any subject you brought up, with wit and insight. He will be very much missed by all of us, and our condolences go out to his family.
Janet Glendenning
The world is a less joyful place without Martin. He had such a life force and he will be missed by so many people. I feel privileged to have had him a a friend. I am so sorry for all who loved him.
Amelie Laura Francis
Martin brought joy to every place he stepped into. There are songs that I love that I will forever associate with him. I can’t wait to hear them out in the wild and remember him again.
Dan Roy
John, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. In my world, there was never just John, or Martin. To me, you were always "John and Martin". I know this is a great tragedy for all of Martin's friends and loved ones, but I can't even imagine how difficult this is for you, John. I will always have the fondest memories of the times I spent in the company of you and Martin.
Bassam Abed & Peter Sieger
We were fortunate to meet Martin and John on the beach in Provincetown several years ago and forged an instant friendship. Martin was always such a ray of sunshine that it seems impossible that irrepressible light no longer shines. We will forever miss the spark he brought to all our interactions, conversations on the beach or over dinner that were entertaining and often very informative, and always filled with warmth. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his beloved partner John, to his devoted sisters and their families, and to his wonderful circle of friends in Ottawa. We shall all miss him so much.
Roger Butt and Grant McNeil
We are so saddened to learn of Martin’s untimely passing. We knew him as a joyful and spirited presence, kind and generous and passionate about his work, his partner and his many interests. We send heartfelt condolences to John and his family and friends.
Barbara Wackid Briggs
Perdre un membre de la famille n’est jamais facile, mais perdre un frère ou une sœur, celui avec qui on a grandi, est extrêmement difficile et tellement douloureux. J’espère que tu trouveras de la paix dans tes souvenirs précieux. Mes pensées et mes prières sont avec vous.
Randall Ware
The song is ended,
But the melody lingers on.
Danièle Gallichand et John Czich
Vraiment bouleversant cette triste nouvelle. Nous espérons que les souvenirs de bonheur partagées vous aideront à surmonter cette soudaine perte. Nos plus sincères condoléances au conjoint de Martin, à notre amie Dominique, à ses soeurs et à toute sa famille.
"And when he shall die, cut him out into little stars so that the face of Heaven shall be so fine and the world will pay no attention to the garish sun." To Len, Helene and family our sincere condolences on the passing of this beautiful, gentle soul.