1947 – 2026
Philip Anthony “Phil” Martin, 78, of Wilson’s Beach, Campobello Island, passed away peacefully at Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, on May 5, 2026, after a life shaped by faith, service to others, and love of family.
Born August 13, 1947, in Eastport, Maine, Phil was brought home to Campobello Island, where he would spend the majority of his life building deep roots in the community he loved. He attended Campobello Island Consolidated School and later the United Baptist Bible Training Institute.
Phil’s working years took him briefly to Toronto with Esso, but when the pace of city life lost its shine, he made the easy decision to return to his island home. Back on Campobello, he first worked alongside his brother-in-law in construction before establishing his own business. In time, he joined his father in the family insurance business, Harry S. Martin Ltd, continuing a legacy of service to the community.
As a young man, Phil had a love of speed and excitement, racing stock cars and forming lifelong friendships along the way. Whether seeded in racing or born from his childhood metal toy cars, Phil became an antique and hot rod car enthusiast – exploring car shows and scouring many a junk yard with his son. If you dropped by you would likely find him in the garage with a cup of coffee, happily tinkering away on his own restoration projects. Faith and service were central to Phil Martin’s life. He was deeply active in his church community, serving faithfully as a trustee, usher, board member, and generous volunteer wherever help was needed. His commitment to caring for others extended into the wider community through his work on the nursing home board and as a founding member of the Campobello Volunteer Fire Department, where he served with tireless dedication for many years. In recognition of that service, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
Perhaps his greatest labour of love was his involvement with Edith Lank Memorial Christian Camp. It was here he spent many childhood summers while his mother served as camp cook, later working as a volunteer and finally serving as chair of the board for more than 10 years. Being an active board member to him meant boots on the ground- fixing plumbing, getting the pool ready, building cabins or tuck shops, painting and whatever other handiwork needed to be done.
Phil often said, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.” True to that belief, he was rarely at a loss for words. Known as a talker, he kept up with the latest news, shared stories with enthusiasm, and never missed an opportunity to deliver a corny dad joke. His easy conversation and genuine interest in others helped knit together the kind of community he so deeply valued: a place where people felt seen, welcomed, and connected; one relationship at a time.
Above all, Phil was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud Grampie who always put his family first. From a tent trailer to a travel trailer to a motor home – he found great joy in travelling and camping with his family and building rich memories that truly lasted a lifetime. Once grandkids arrived, his world had fresh purpose and bragging rights- never tiring of sharing their many accomplishments with whoever would listen. They were perfect and could do no wrong in his eyes. Truly, the most valuable investment of Phil Martin’s portfolio of life was his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Jane (Stainforth) Martin; his children, Jennifer Michelle Martin-Hawkes (Timothy Hawkes) (of Bridgetown, NS) and Timothy Philip Martin (Janet) (of Campobello); his cherished grandchildren, Kirstyn Jessie Hawkes, Isaac Ty Timothy Martin, Rainan Jude Timothy Hawkes, and Allie Samantha Martin; his sister, Vivian Alice Mellish (late Clinton Shannon), brothers-in-law Andrew Hopper (late Helen) and Richard Stainforth (Bonnie) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harry Salem Martin and Lillian Bernice (Anthony) Martin, and his sisters, Elizabeth Mae Martin and Helen Marie Hopper and brother-in-law Clinton Shannon.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Wilson’s Beach United Baptist Church. A service celebrating Philip’s life will take place Saturday, May 9, at 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow at Wilson’s Community Cemetery.
For those who are unable to attend the service in person, a livestream of the service will be available. To access click on the provided link, provide your name and either your email or a cell phone number, agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box and click verify email. An email or text message will be sent to you, open the message, and click the large blue “Click Here” a new access page will open. Click Here To Watch Livestream
The family has been deeply touched by the many messages, calls, thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness shared by friends and family. They are sincerely grateful for the care provided by the staff at the Campobello Lodge. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to The Edith Lank Memorial Christian Camp, Wilson’s Beach United Baptist Church or the charity of the giver’s choice.
Phil Martin has left his family a legacy of faith in Christ and for that we know he has joined those who have gone before and he has stood the test and he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12, ESV).
Online condolences and donations may be made at www.humphreysfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110).