Janet Catherine Martin (née Learmonth)

My condolences to Jan’s family. My path crossed with Janet and Phil as fellow parishioners at St Martin’s for the better part of 10 years. I have fond memories of their yearly book stall at the annual Church bazaar and lively conversations while chauffeuring them home after church on many an occasion.

Please accept our (mine and Jamie’s) condolences. I remember Mrs. Martin as kind and classy. She was so poised, intelligent and self-confident, yet without airs. Hugs to all of you.

Jan and I breached the getting to know you Barrier at U of A. She cheerily faced all the new experiences and demands made in the secondary environment. Being with her made it easy. Later we went to England facing new protocols and experiences with intelligent recognition of opportunities.
She has left memories of kindness and appreciation wherever she went. I am missing her already.

My condolences to Janet’s family and friends for your loss. I first got to know Janet during my years working with USC Canada (Unitarian Service Committee), and had some great chats with her and Philip over the years. We shared a passion for Africa, and I later learned that we had both been teachers in the East African country of Tanzania, Janet many years before me. She lived a full life and made so many contributions. Ahsante sana, Janet!

Please accept my sincere condolences. I met Janet when she served on the Program Review Committee at USC Canada and have fond memories of travelling with her when she served on the Board. She taught me a lot and her intelligence, openness to others and generosity stand out those fond memories.

My deepest condolences to the Martin family. I first met Janet during her time at CIDA, and later came to know Philip while I was working at the Agriculture Canada Research Branch.
Both Janet and Philip became cherished friends.

Over the years, I was fortunate to share many memorable moments with them-scientific discussions, development conversations, and rich sociocultural exchanges in their home. Their kindness, intellect, and friendship have left a lasting impact on me.

Awegechew

To the family of Jan, please accept my deepest sympathies. Jan was a warm and reassuring presence in my life for well over forty years. My parents were best friends with Jan and Philip, and our families appeared to merge when they moved to Canada and spent much time in Edmonton, which is where I grew up. Of course, I became lifelong friends with Robert and Alan. Later, whenever I traveled to Ottawa, the Martin’s home was effectively my home away from home, and a welcoming place I wouldn’t dream of not visiting when I happened to be in the area. I can’t think of any friend who was closer to my mom than Jan, and she had a positive impact on all whenever our families came together. The discussions between Jan and my mom were in pursuit of deeper knowledge and understanding, and would often go late into the night! Jan was incredibly wise, and she was an effective communicator who had vast worldly experiences. No less than those attributes, coupled with kindness and a sincere desire to help others in need, inspired me to strive to do better. I will never forget the warmth and love she bestowed upon me, and her passing reminds me that she would have wanted us all to fight for a kinder world.
Gunter Lorberg MD

We lived with our young children next door to Jan and Phillip on Byron Avenue and counted ourselves very fortunate to have such wonderful, generous neighbours. Her kindness towards Jacqueline and Kathleen and her support when Stephen arrived will always be remembered as part of our own family lore. She was also a font of knowledge about Africa and always had a lively opinion or two about current developments. Our sincere condolences to Robert and Alan and their families on the loss of Jan.