Ian Bruce Martin

Born 10/06/1952 in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Passed away at home in Danville, OH on June 13, 2026

Ian met his wife Yvonne at Sheridan College, Oakville, Ontario where he was studying graphic design, they got Married in 1975.

Ian Martin was a simple man with a zest for life. He had a generous heart and great sense of humor. His first and greatest love in life was music, whether playing drums with various bands, or listening to his favorite bands, including Rush and Genesis. His mother claimed that at age 3 he managed to wear a hole in a leather chair drumming on it with wooden spoons. He loved to travel and experience new places and cultures. He estimated he had visited more than 40 different countries in his lifetime. Wherever he went he enjoyed meeting people and showing a genuine interest in them and their lives. He loved to make people laugh, and was generous to a fault. He loved and was loved by many pets in his lifetime. He enjoyed red wine, and sneaking the occasional cigar when Yvonne wasn’t looking.

Ian grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario, then attended Sheridan College in Oakville, where he was to meet Yvonne, who would be his wife for 51 years. After college, Ian held several sales positions, before settling in to a successful 16 year career as an account manager for Consolidated Freightways. Many of his customers became life-long friends. In 1992, he and Yvonne both left corporate life and purchased The White Oak Inn in Danville, Ohio, where he delighted in announcing dinner menus while wearing, a chef’s jacket embroidered with the name Shirley, and spent many hours regaling guests with his funny stories. He still found time for his first passion, and was the drummer for the T.J. Lewis Blues Band.

Survived by wife Yvonne (nee Stevenson), sister Faith Boulton, nieces Heather Meloche and Hilari Boulton, Nephew Alan Martin, and a whole bevy of great nieces and nephews. Greatly missed by his companion cats and dog Bentley.

Predeceased by his mother Norma (Smith), Father Alan Raymond Martin, and brother Kirk Martin

A Celebration of Life will be held at the White Oak Inn on Sunday August 30 2026.

29683 Walhonding Rd, Danville, OH 43014

The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Canadian or American Diabetes Associations. https://www.diabetes.ca/ https://diabetes.org/

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com