Auburn Bay Community Fundraiser, Grieving the Loss of a Neighbor and Friend

Article content

The Auburn Bay community is coming together to help a local family after a husband and father died while working on his car last week.

Chad Martin is remembered as a loving mentor, friend and neighbor who anyone could count on.

Article content

Now, friends, neighbors and a local business are stepping up to raise funds for Martin’s family.

Chad and his father were working on their vehicle Friday when it fell on them, killing them both. He leaves behind his wife, Natasha, and his young children: Edie, Miah and Jake.

Article content

Neighbor Jérémy Bockstael started a GoFundMe page as soon as he heard the news, with a goal of $100,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $70,000 had been raised.

Bockstael said when he first heard about Chad’s death, he was in disbelief.

“He was always outside, working on his car, playing with his kids, walking his dog – we guarantee that if you just wanted to talk to someone, you could probably walk out and find Chad helping someone or working outside.”

According to Bockstael, Chad was a gas fitter and loved fixing cars as a hobby.

“He has left behind three young children and we just want to make sure his future is secured,” she said.

Bockstael said he will miss Chad’s generosity, kindness and overall presence, adding that his late neighbor leaves big shoes to fill.

“There are some single fathers on the street and he is like a father figure to those families. So knowing that he is not available to fill that void, we will have to step up to do it,” he said.

‘She lost her best friend, her rock, the man she absolutely loves’

“My first thought was: where is Natasha and what can I do to help her get through this?” said her friend and neighbor Kelsey Lewis.

Article content

Article content

“I just held her while she cried; It was absolutely devastating.

“She’s trying to put on a brave face for those kids, but right now she’s scared that she’s trying to navigate what this new life will be like. She lost her best friend, her support, the man she absolutely loves…she is scared.”

Lewis said Natasha “instantly bursts into tears” whenever she hears about the community’s support as she tries to cope with the loss of her husband and father-in-law.

“Natasha is the first person, if something happens, to stop everything she is doing and be there for whoever needs her. And that’s what Chad was like: They’re the first people who are there to offer support and do everything they can to help anyone.”

Lewis is hosting a month-long family meal train, where people can volunteer to drop off meals.

‘Be there for your loved ones; hold them tight; tell them you love them’

The owner of the A&W franchise in Auburn Bay, Balwant Singh, doesn’t know the Martins, but he feels the immense pain the family is going through and wants to help.

“We found out on the Auburn Bay Angels page that there is a family in need and they need help. We cannot walk for them, but we can walk with them and ease their pain; We always try to help.”

Article content

On April 24, fast food restaurant Singh’s will donate $2 from every combo purchased, which includes ordering through third-party apps like Skip the Dishes and even coupons.

As a father of three, Singh said he put himself in the family’s shoes.

“In one day they lost their father and grandfather at the same time; that clicked in my mind and hurt me emotionally, so I thought we should support them,” she said.

“Be there for your loved ones, hold them tight and tell them you love them. Things happen in life; Sometimes you get angry with each other but believe me, you don’t get the chance to say those things because I went through this last year when I lost my father and he wasn’t there.

“I know you are going through a lot, but on our part, we are just making a small effort to ease your pain. God bless you.”

‘That was Chad; he helped everyone

Neighbor Alana Shah recalled a camping trip that was a weekend full of fun and bonding with the Martins.

“That weekend a big wind storm hit and a lot of people at the campground had their trailers damaged and their tents ripped off, and we spent the whole night walking from campsite to campground, making sure everyone had a place to stay. And that was Chad; he helped everyone,” Shah said through tears. “Thank you for being a brother to Neil and I, we’ve got Natasha and the kids, and we’ll take it from here.”

“My favorite memory is Chad in the driveway with a drink in his hand, the fire going and everyone singing around the fire; he would tell jokes and reminisce about old times,” said neighbor Kim Streng.

Article content