It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Mr. Martin Valentine of Red Deer, Alberta at The Centennial Centre, Ponoka, Alberta on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the age of 86 years. Martin Valentine, the youngest of nine children, was born on May 7, 1928 at Elk Point, Alberta into a loving farm family. He attended Richland Rural School until grade nine. In 1943, Martin enrolled at Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana College) and graduated in 1946. At College, he made lifelong friends; was a member of the Student Council and played on the Baseball team. After moving to Edmonton in 1947, he played professional baseball on an Edmonton team. Martin apprenticed for pharmacy at Liggett’s Pharmacy in Edmonton. He then attended the University of Alberta, graduating in 1953 with a BSc. in Pharmacy. He held memberships in both the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association and the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada for forty years. After graduating, Martin married Stella, his loving wife of sixty-two years and began the responsibility of a career, a family and owning his own pharmacy. Over the years, Martin owned “Valentine Central Drugs” stores in Taber, Hanna, Calgary and in 1965 bought a pharmacy in Red Deer where he practiced until he retired in 1993. Upon his retirement, Stella and Martin established “Valentine Wine & Beer Making”, a home brewing store in Red Deer. Martin worked in the store but preferred to be on his farm at Lousana, Alberta. He exemplified the Good Samaritan in his life and business – never turning anyone away who was ill. Martin lived a long useful life and was blessed with four children. During the past five years, Martin struggled to overcome the slow advance of dementia but by 2014 he was admitted to nursing care. Martin will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Stella M. Valentine; one daughter, Cheryl Valentine; son, John (Laurie) Valentine, all of Red Deer, son Robert (Lorna) Valentine of Camrose, Alberta and son, David (Evelyn) Valentine of Lousana, Alberta; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Martin was predeceased by his parents, his four brothers and his four sisters. Many thanks to Dr. Janicki, MaryAnn Robertson, Nicole and staff at The Centennial Centre, Horizon Unit of Ponoka. Their loving care and assistance during Martin’s illness was so appreciated by his family. A Celebration of Martin’s Life will be held for immediate family at a later date. If desired, Memorial Donations in Martin’s honor may be made directly to The Centennial Centre, Attention: Horizon Unit, Box 1000, Ponoka, Alberta, T4J 1R8; the Alzheimer Society of Alberta at www.alzheimers.ca or to a charity of choice. Arrangements in care of Rhian Solecki, Funeral Director at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.