Christopher Lincoln Martin of Listowel passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in his 55th year.
Chris will be lovingly remembered by his parents Bryan and Dale (Fisher) Martin, formerly of Wingham, siblings Kim Smith (Bill) and Shawn Martin (Erin), nephews Catlin Smith and Wade Martin (Jade), niece Reese Martin; great-niece Elijana Smith, and great-nephew Chevy Smith.
He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Lynda (Larry) Marlatt, Linda (Glen) Ribey, Gonna Fisher, Shirley Goll, Don Fisher (Cathy), Wendy Goll (Alvin), Glen Fisher, Debbie Heels (Gerry), and Laurie Procter (Cam), along with many wonderful cousins.
Chris was predeceased by his grandparents, Lincoln and Olive Martin and Jack and Martha Fisher, aunt Jackie (Herb) Lee; uncle Murray Fisher; and cousins Paul Marlatte, Vanessa Goll, Jason Goll, and Kyle Procter.
Chris had so many wonderful friends. The family would like to make special mention of Wayne Gollan, Stephanie Roth, Paul Williamson, and Michelle Martin. They would also like to acknowledge the wonderful, caring staff at Caressant Care, Listowel, for the compassion and exceptional care given to Chris in his final years.
Shortly after birth, it was noted that Chris would have some physical challenges throughout his lifetime. Specialists predicted Chris would only live until 16 and would be in a wheelchair by 12. Anyone who knew how stubborn Chris was knew that he was going to prove them wrong! Even though he endured countless surgeries and painful procedures, he kept a positive outlook and lived life to the fullest until his passing at the remarkable age of 54.
With his infectious belly laugh, he easily made friends with his classmates. Instead of being teased, he was fiercely protected by them all. His biggest advocate was his brother Shawn, who made sure nobody “messed with his brother,” or else!
Chris played baseball and was affectionately known as “Mooner” (for reasons we won’t mention, but you can probably guess). He loved camping, golf, water skiing, tubing, fishing, spending time at the lake, and so much more. As he aged, he toned down the physical activities and was often found playing cards with his close friends or motoring around on his scooter.
Chris never tired of spending time with his niece and nephews and would spoil them any chance he could. He was also known to kidnap his special buddy Radar (the dog) so they could go on car rides together.
Chris’s first job was with his uncle Murray, cleaning numerous facilities in Huron County. He then went on to work at Spinrite in Listowel before finishing his career at Food Basics in Listowel. Chris always loved the close bond he had with his co-workers and the relationships he developed with customers who came through his till. Having these jobs made him feel valued and gave him so much purpose in life. We will always treasure the opportunities these employers gave him.
Chris always had a healthy appetite and was passionate about food! He loved trying new things, and everyone was always shocked by how much he could “sock away” in that tiny-framed body. He always came home to “Mama” to request his favourites, though. It didn’t matter what time of day it was; if Chris came through the door, Mom was at the stove making whatever he was craving. Chris was known to love a beer or two and could often be found helping himself to one of Dad’s cold ones from the fridge before they would sit down for a visit.
Surprisingly, Chris loved travelling. There was always somebody saying, “Hey Chris, do you wanna come with us on a trip?” His answer was always yes, and no adventure was too big or too small. One of his greatest freedoms in life was having a driver’s licence and a car. It was not uncommon for a cousin or friend to find Chris appearing on their doorstep without warning. It was never clear how long he would be staying, and sometimes he would need that gentle nudge: “Chris, don’t you think you better go home now?”
Chris sadly passed away the day before he was to leave on his next trip to Manitoba to see family. We will always wish we could have said these last words: “Please don’t go, Chris. We want you to stay longer.”
Although life presented Chris with many challenges, he never lost sight of the things that gave his life meaning: his love for Jehovah, his hope for the future, and the many people who made him feel loved, valued, and part of a family.
A memorial service will be held virtually on Zoom on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. We welcome family and friends to join us online as we gather to honour his memory and celebrate his life.
Interment in Wroxeter Cemetery.
Memorial donations to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Canada would be appreciated, and may be made through Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
