Donald B. Martin

Donald B. Martin was raised in a conservative Mennonite family in Woolwich Township. As was common in families in his community, he quit school at age 16 and began working in carpentry and construction.

In his mid-20s he took over the family business, Martin Feed Mills Ltd. , and built it into a significant business and employer in Elmira. Martin was also involved in the creation of more than 30 other businesses including the Elmira Land Development Company, Brox’s Olde Town Village and B&L Metals.

Martin held a number of volunteer positions both locally and nationally. He was President of the Elmira Board of Trade in 1965, the year the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival began. He also served on the Elmira High School Board and was a member of the Lions Club for 45 years. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow given by Lions Club International Foundation. Some of his most challenging experiences were being involved in search and rescue missions where he volunteered his airplane and piloting expertise. He was also a Mason and Shriner. Martin served nationally as Chairman of the Canadian Feed Manufacturers Association.

He was involved in the creation of many local facilities such as the Lions Sports Park, Kissing Bridge Trail, Lions Woolwich Dam Trail and the Elmira Golf and Country Club. Martin was recognized for his community service with several awards of distinction including being named Woolwich Citizen of the Year in 1992.

Photograph – Calla Studio, Elmira.