This memorial website honors the memory of Martin Standen. Please come together here and share your memories, stories, and photos of Martin so we can all remember him together.
Martin was born on January 28th 1961 in Barnstaple, to his parents, Carol Shelley and Brian Standen. He grew up in the North Devon with much of his youth spent in Woolacombe before moving to Barnstaple where he spent the rest of his life. After a brief stint in the RAF (he would say - a very brief stint), Martin began his career at South West Water and, after some time learning the ropes, started on his own inventions to which he continued right up until his diagnosis.
Martin was a family man, everything he did was to support, love and provide for his three children; Christopher, Dominic, and Helena. Martin didn’t stop there, if anyone needed him, he was there at the drop of a hat to help. He really is a special man. His love for his close family and friends was ineffable, even in his final days he was always thinking of those around him and putting a smile on everyone’s face in any way he could. The network he had around him meant the world to him, he even said in his final few weeks ‘You can’t take anything with you but leave a legacy for your family to continue’.
Although family came first, Martin worked hard in his career too, in the beginning anyway, the novelty may have worn off eventually. Some of the South West Water employees at the time will know that he was always known for his tricks and pranks. We are looking forward to hearing about some of the tricks we are certain he played. Although his enthusiasm of his job may have fizzled out during his time at South West Water, his colleagues soon became lifelong friends who he cared about very dearly.
We always knew he had a lovely voice and, although reluctant at first, joined a local choir ‘Rejoice The Voice’. The camaraderie which he shared with the choir members were very treasured moments for him. He particularly enjoyed organising and going to the weekends at ‘The Manor’ and being dragged into doing Zumba one minute and Basketball the next. It was like a family outside his own for him and he enjoyed every opportunity to sing and socialise.
Martin passed away peacefully at home after a short, hard fought, battle with Cancer. It was certainly a rollercoaster journey but one thing he continued to say is how lucky he felt to have the family and friends that he has around him. As he said on his birthday in January 2021;
‘Take care and love everyone. I mean it, LOVE EVERYONE, life’s short.’ - Martin Standen
So together lets do our bit, for him, to make the world a more loving place, just as he did. Please help us build this memorial by sharing your condolences and love of Martin below. Photos and stories can be shared using the relevant tabs above.