Obituary of Martin Leo Clayton Raaymakers

“Not All Hero’s Wear Capes” Martin Leo Clayton Raaymakers Jr. III Peacefully with his family by his side, Marty Raaymakers said his final goodbyes on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Beloved husband and best friend of Pami (nee Free). Loving father of Julie Poirier (Shawn), Jennifer Dolbear, Jessica Raaymakers, Skylar Groves, Kirby Harris (Jason), Dallis Newman (Wayne). Marty will be greatly missed by his mother and father in law Ross & Donna Free, dear brother of the late Diana Williams (2012)(Al), MaryAnn Raaymakers (the Late Murray 2014), Leon Raaymakers (Randy), Jerry Raaymakers (Marshan), Angela York (Rick) as well as Ron Free (Heather), Becky Archibald (Don) & Donna McLean (Brian). Cherished Opa to 14 grandchildren aged 3 to 27 years old. Also survived by many nieces, nephews & cousins. Predeceased by his parents Martin (1994) and Johanna (2010) and his puppy Bacardi (2017). Marty was a compassionate and giving man. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren and family was always in the forefront of everything he did. He has always been an amazing Opa to all of his grandchildren. It is apparent in all of the smiling faces and laughs while he was with them. He started a tradition of hidden candy in ice cream cones with dutch sprinkles, and Saturday morning dutch pancakes with raisins, that will always hold a lasting memory for all to cherish. His heart was always happy when he cooked and entertained. Marty was an excellent water-colour artist and classic car collector. Friends and family were always welcome and many will have great memories of time spent in his CarBar. He loved all things vintage. He loved Sarnia and reminiscing of the past. Over the years he acquired Sarnia-Lambton memorabilia and unique signs which were proudly displayed on his CarBar walls. Marty & Pami loved to travel, whether it be on land or water. After his recent retirement they drove their Coach across the country with their classic car (affectionately known as ‘The Rag’) in tow, visiting new places and meeting new people. Marty was a prominent business owner starting his career with Monteith & Sutherland in 1972 and then as president and CEO of MIG Engineering for 34 years. Marty was a past Chair (2003) of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and member of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He was awarded the Business Leadership Award in 2005. Marty was on the associate board for The Bowman Centre for Sustainable Energy, a contributing pioneer for a number of big energy projects. His past inputs will have continued relevance to our country. He was involved in the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership and Business Committee which was involved in the initial fundraising for the new hospital. Marty was appointed to the Taskforce on the NAFTA Superhighway, the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance Board & received the Innovation Award in 2014. He was also a part of the Bi-Transportation Planning Committee & the Sarnia Heavy Construction Board. In 2007, Marty won the Award of Excellence, one of only four presented by the Consulting Engineers of Ontario. Marty was on the board of the University of Western Ontario Research Park/Bio Industrial Centre. He was also on the Green Belt Committee, Steering Committee for Lambton County Cultural Planning and was the Business Retention & Expansion Task Force Leader. Marty advocated for Sarnia Lambton and with MIG, worked on The Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport Terminal, The CN Rail Tunnel, a magnitude of Pipelines and the new Blue Water Bridge Heavy Trade Corridor. With Marty’s leadership, MIG Engineering won the Business of the Year award in 2010. Marty has a strong legacy of outstanding advocacy for the Sarnia-Lambton community. In 2000, he was a recipient of the Mayor’s Honour List for Outstanding Service to the People and City of Sarnia. Marty’s years of giving back included not for profit organizations. This includes being Chair for the Bluewater Health Foundation’s Business Committee & State of the Heart Campaign. This was the final Campaign in this era for preparation for the new hospital, raising over 1 million dollars in two years. Although he was not a golfer, he sponsored the Bluewater Health Pro Am Tournament for five years raising over $200,000.00. Marty also helped develop the Dream Home Lottery that raised over 5 million dollars for the Bluewater Health Foundation. He played a role in the Sarnia Powerboat Festival for St. Joseph Hospice & Noelle’s gift donating engineering services. Marty was also part of the ‘Building for Children’ Capitol Campaign where he was instrumental in fundraising an excess of $73,000.00, as well as hosting a ticketed after-party ‘meet & greet’ for Rick Mercer for additional Pathways funding. Marty joined the ‘Targets of Excellence Capital Campaign’ Committee at Lambton College and helped push their $4 million goal over the top. He also supported the Lambton College Presidents Gala Fundraiser as well as Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Bayer Championship Golf Tournaments over the years. Marty was a 20 year avid supporter of The Huron House Boys Home ‘Men Who Cook’ fundraiser, which was dear to his heart. On his own accord last year he challenged 10 of his Facebook friends to donate $100 each to The Boys Home. To everyone’s delight $9000.00 was raised in a short amount of time by himself and his friends & family. Marty, although very involved in his community fundraising and support, he was recognized more for his huge heart and larger than life personality. Our Family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and volunteers at Bluewater Health palliative care and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their compassionate care of Marty and our family during his illness. Marty loved music and was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and lived his life as the song say’s “I did it my way.” He will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by all those lives he touched. Come celebrate Marty’s legacy on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sunbridge Hotel & Conference Centre (former Holiday Inn) at 1498 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward. Marty gave to so many charities and organizations. In honour of that, as an expression of sympathy, friends who wish, may send a memorial donation to River City Vineyard, Rebound or any other local charities in need. Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd. (519-344-3131). Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com