This memorial website was set up to honour the memory of my brother Stephane Martin, 41, born on April 18, 1972 and passed away on July 24, 2013.
I know Stephane would have been deeply touched by this, though he may have complained in public about it. Trust me on this one, this is okay to do. We all need to heal, so LETS TALK ABOUT STEPHANE! Please consider this website a work in progress, and an opportunity to share stories and photos with one another.
Where shall I begin, hmmm... the son of the late (and mysterious) Robert Joseph Martin and Diane Nemey, survived by his most immediate family Alexander, Christina and Cecile Martin, extended family and friends, two cats, and a whole community at St. Clare's Multifaith Housing in Toronto that just won't be the same without him.
If you feel the need to do something to honor Stephane's memory, you may consider making a donation on his behalf to support St. Clare's projects that house the homeless. To receive a charitable receipt, you can donate online through CanadaHelps, or mail donations to:
St. Clare's Multifaith Housing
C1-180 Sudbury Street
Toronto ON
M6J 0A8
To learn more about St. Clare's Multiface Housing, where Stephane lived and worked, please visit www.stclares.ca.
People who knew and loved Stephane, and were able to attend, celebrated his life at
"Stephane's Party"
Date: Saturday August 3, 2013
Time: 3:00-5:00PM
Location: 25 Leonard Ave, Toronto ON (Main Floor Lounge)
This was the only service held for Stephane, because he probably would not have wanted it any other way. Stephane's support team and family decided to call this event 'Stephane's Party' because Stephane would not have wanted any memorial service, wake or funeral. After much discussion with his close friends and family, we all agreed that Stephane would have wanted the people he was close with to have this event as an opportunity to help us all cope a bit better.
My family and I are deeply grateful to Stephane's community of friends and collegues at St. Clares. Please feel free to share your memories and photos of Stephane on this website.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI still remember vividly our conversations Stephane was a true ami; supportive, authentic et caring.
Sending virtual hugs to all his friends and extended family!
XO
Christina
Annually, whenever the notification comes to my email mailbox, I have nothing but joy and love in my memories of you. Your kind spirit, generous soul and the abiding faith that you knew who you were and were absolutely OK with that. You brought assistance and aid to many of us whom were struggling. I miss you. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
I wish he were here, so we could catch up and laugh.
I still meet people in my travels that remember him so fondly.
For anyone looking for support in any way with mental health and/or addiction, please visit http://www.CAMH.ca for more information. This is a great Canadian resource for treatment and education.
Keep your eye on your prize
Do you see me, see my pain
Days spent with strangers
Sunny days spent in rain.
Ever hear a destitute song
Lowly words with lively tone
When the homeless don't come home
One knows, where they've gone
Ever tried of being alone
Time to come home.
Miss you with all by being. Happy Birthday. ❤
A humbled life, as I plead for my needs.
Shelter me Lord, Stay by my side.
Pardon my past, and restore my pride.
-When you have had enough bad situations, that you can appreciate good ones.
-When you make something out of nothing.
-When you can give up possessions and live simply.
-When you cherish everything you believe in.
-When hesitation is not a factor.
-When you share everything.
-When your life is in your hands.
-I'm not afraid. I'm an not afraid of anything, because the more I suffer, the more I love. Danger would only increase my love. It will sharpen it. It will give it spice. You will leave life even more beautifully than you entered it. Only one thing can make a soul complete and that thing is love.
PERFECT
-When her eyes reflect what you see.
Stephane Martin
You have been on my mind the last few days ,
I was thinking about your knocking on my door and when I would open the door you always had a smile on your face and something interesting to say , I do miss that for sure
In life its the small things that people do for one another that really matters in the end , at least I think so , my feelings are that you Steph know this well , thanks for that Buddy talk soon Avi :)
I wish I'd known things were so bad for him, I wish I could have done something to help. Because of him I'm going to make more effort in helping the homeless than I have in the past, at least, that's my hope.
Last night I dreamt of being with him again and so I told a friend about it and they found this site for me. :)
I didn't really ever get to know his siblings, I was quite selfish in those teen years, I'd like to thank them for creating this site, I feel it was a gift from God Himself. That 10 minute video was more than I ever hoped to find! To see his face, hear his voice, see the brightness of his smile again was almost too much to bear. I still hope more of his friends contribute to this site and add more photos and video. Greedy huh?
I will pray for those who have felt his loss as I have, or deeper. I hope you find comfort in knowing his life and kindness left a life long impact on my heart and I'm sure, the hearts of many others. I truly hope he found Jesus and came to a saving faith in finding the peace of God before he died. I always wanted him to find peace and contentment, he had such brilliant potential. Did I say he ways loved? He was, by me and still is. I hope you don't mind my anonymity I thought it would be easier to share openly if I did it anonymously. :)
I will probably visit again if I remember a cheerful story from our past. Right now all I can remember was a demented thing he'd do when he was bored and I think that might not go over well...though it's making me laugh pretty hard as I think on it.
Beautiful genius, gone too soon. <3
...anyone remember hide and seek in his huge front yard?
(Long Live Narvana )
I found Stephanie (comically enough if you where my friend) to be almost Too close of a person to be friends with... Most people find me to personal to be friends
I've been listing to God, Slayer, Striyper, etc. tonight and I'd like to leave a Tribue to Stephanie Martin (Yes the one who died in Toronto). I became friends with Stephanie when I briefly moved back to Saint John where I've from and I now live back in Montreal.
Stephanie was more of a friend of some friends of mine
Miss you.
You were a lovely, generous and kind person. When I was sick, you showed me understanding, compassion and empathy. I was shocked to hear about your passing and my condolences go out to your family and friends. You will be missed by everyone at St.Clare's. R.I.P.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL2ZXDqLQxs
Always a resource for me and my work at 25 Leonard, our paths crossed often.
While i grieve your loss, I am grateful that our paths did cross, and we got to share some good laughs, and good moments.
Proud to work for Saint Clare's, and that you were there
Will you now reach for me?
Dark endless eternity
Take me away from this life
Into a new beginning
My memories of Stephane, both in Saint John and in Toronto, are filled with good friends, good fun, laughter and love.
Your insightfulness and sence of humor were always welcome and will truely be missed. Goodbye Old Friend, Peace.
Your half sister from Montreal, RoseMarie Martin
We are so sorry to hear the sad news about Stephane. I went to high school with him, and remember him as a quirky, artistic, kind and gentle soul. I'm not sure how I never made the connection that he was your brother.
Love to you all. We'll be thinking of you.
xoxo Sara and Dave
Leave a Tribute
I still remember vividly our conversations Stephane was a true ami; supportive, authentic et caring.
Amazing Music
As of recent I had the opportunity to attend Christina and Dales show here in Toronto at 'The Burdock' really nice size place very intimate with a great vib
Stephan would always ask me to attend your shows but at that time I was in a bad place so going to any kind of club or gathering of people was well I just never went due to Anxity issues which now Im better at dealing with.
When Stepane would find out you were coming to town he would walk around 25 Leonard with his chest all pumped up with pride that his little sister was coming to town to knock the socks off us Torontonians I remember thinking back then, hu how good could they really be Im so fussy when it comes to music , Well let me tell you something You two with your band blew me away and I could hear in my head while I was there Stephane laughing saying finally you made it Avi about time!
I told you they are amazing (Brother you are right on!)
Christina and Dale I have so many words I want to say to you but I will keep it to the point.
First of all Im not sure how to explain your style of music but its truly Canadiana Dale your Guitar is Sweet Brother nice backup Vocals also and that Sparkly Silver Electric Guitar of yours Its beautiful!
Cristina OMG you are a true natural Front Person you carry the show with amazing talent you keep everybody tuned right in thats for sure! Your very funny with great road trip stories I laughed my ass off.
The two of you playing guitar together while singing simply beautiful and well that Voice of yours is so Powerful the Tones and Notes you were hitting gave me chills and for the first time in a long time I was proud to be a Canadian eh!
My friends thank you so much for having me at your show I loved every minute of it Im already looking forward to your next show here in TO
I was amazed to see CAMH at your show You have also Partnered up with them fantastic! CAMH had a table set up at the Show with information and the chance to make donations anytime anywhere Like you said Christina durning your show its for the health of Canadians I love that
I have been a member of CAMH myself in the past and yes they are there for the people with a wide varity of programs and counsuling and first hand help right to the streets of Toronto
People out there! My advice to you is if you enjoy Live Music and a night on the town check out Cristina and Dale "LIVE"
You wont be dissapointed trust me :)
Avi xo
OH GOD !
A mutual friend of myself and Stephs who no longer lives here at 25 Leonard , she once told me a humorus story , here at the building the 5th and 6th sit on top of the building and are open concept meaning its like a motel with all the front doors opening to the outside air , there are 12 apartments on each floor six on each side and a common space in between , which is really nice , Our friend told me that on many occasions when she was upset she would open her door and say out loud OH...GOD ! as she was telling me the story she started laughing and said that on occasion she would here a reply like YES... Can I Help You ? as she lived on the 5th floor she would look up and there would be Steph with a big smile on his face , as he lived on the 6th above her , she then said that no matter how she felt she would crack up everytime .
Steph had the ability to sooth a person when things where down and out , even if it was only a smile (Stephs smiles were infectious) he had a calming effect on people which is... Magic !
Damn I Miss You Bro :)
Super Hero
Our story begins with my new home and my new position at 25 leonard as night monitor , which i had 0 training for , i was given a clip board cell phone and seat and told to sit in the lounge and report anything unusual so i did , at that time there was a tv in the lounge big headache if you ask me , one night a new tenant to 25 leonard came in the front door to the building with 3 buddies , they started stagering down the hallway towards the lounge obviously very drunk , i started to feel anxiety not knowing what to do or think , they walked into the lounge and right away told me to go fuck myself and why dont i go back up to my apartment , they then proceeded to turn the tv on with the volume on full , they kept looking at me intimidating me calling me names , so all i could think of to do was pack up my stuff and go knock on stephs door , which i did , his door opened right away , steph standing there said hey avi hows it going , i said not to good , he asked me why , i told him what had happened, before i could say another word steph had his keys in his hand locked his door and said follow me so i did , we went down to 4th floor where all rogers cable hookups are , we went into the cable room , he says watch this , he then showed me the cable hookup with the word lounge on it , he then proceeded to unscrew the cable to the lounge , by this time we were both smiling , he then said there ya go now you know what to do , so i went back down to the lounge as the gang of four was leaving , the tv was off problem solved :D , thats how it is at 25 leonard fly by the seat of your pants , Stephan is the superhero.