Martin Charles was born in Grenada, West Indies on November 11, 1934 the third of four children of Mary (Vicky) and Joseph Charles. He will be best remembered as an honest, loyal, outspoken gentleman with an energetic personality capable of bringing happiness to any situation. Growing up in the close-knit community of Birch Grove, St. Andrew’s, his sense of humor and ability to turn any frown into a smile, were appreciated and applauded.
He was a student at Birch Grove R.C. School where he made friends easily and could hold a conversation with just about anyone. He had an incredible voice, too, that invited lively debates on everything from politics to fishing to cricket. His now silent voice was rich and melodic with a resonance that made everyone at ease in his midst.
That unmistakable voice and warm personality worked well for Martin in his job as a well-known taxi driver on the island. He was known affectionately in the community as “Pushin” and his customers knew that in his car they would get a safe ride, good laughs and a pick-me-up no matter how down in the dumps they felt.
He was especially generous with love and laughter to his family and friends and consistently provided genuine gems to uplift and inspire them. His family was always a priority to him and he showed affection easily, devoted to his sisters, his children, grandchildren and great-grand children. Martin Charles was special and had the gift to make everyone feel special.
In 1971 he left his beloved Grenada for the United States. It was a world unknown to him but he was driven by his goal to create a better life for himself and his family. Never afraid to work hard, Martin landed a number of jobs in varying fields as he set out to achieve his goal. He would spend three decades of dedicated service at Cabs Nursing Home Co. in Brooklyn, New York, until his retirement in 2009.
And on his American trek he found lasting love in his life partner, Joan Johnson. Their marriage was a peaceful union, filled with beautiful memories; travels together or with friends, great conversations, good food and laughter.
A sharp dresser and an excellent dancer, Martin Charles was a simple man who made simplicity an envious lifestyle. When he stepped on the dance floor at a party, others had to watch out. It was his joyful time. He loved life and absorbed all the good in it. It was evident in the positive attitude he wore each day. He loved flying back to Grenada to spend time with family and friends and he made leisure time as important as working. Hanging around the house was his special treat. On a warm summer’s day he loved washing his car and that car had a name, “Betsey.” He was a king sitting on his porch simply counting the planes as they flew by. Martin enjoyed every inch of life and reminded us all that every second counts and life truly is what you make it.
Martin fell ill the last eight months of his life and the Lord called him home on April 17, 2014.
He leaves to mourn, his wife, Joan and his sisters, Cossil, Winnie, Germaine and Jean. His Children: Megon, Sharon, Cherman, Merril, Hope, Jean, Gerald, Kelly, Lawrence and Finton. His grandchildren: Devon, Joy, Chermaine, Shanieka, Kelisha, Ackail, Deanna, Charles Jr., Bianca, Kadeem, Kim, Natalie, Natasha, and Randy. Great-grandchildren: Eeron, Xyon, Devon Jr., O’Shane, Shyla, Amari, Hazel and Hazelann. Also left to mourn are his sons-in-Law, Terrance Marryshow and Rubin Baptiste, daughter-in-Law, Barbara Phillips and his brother-in-Law, Francis Charles, his nieces and nephews, Francis, Arnold, Brenda, Martin, Elwyn, Lyle, Randy, Leslie, Denise, Janet, Clothilda, Judy and Wayne. His many relatives include the Charles family, the Ruffin family, the Lewis family, the Ross family and the Simon family. And his special friends who will mourn his loss are Lessey, Richard, Bhola, Carl, Martin, the Blaire family, the Leed family and Peaurlene Ashley.
A genuine good man, Martin Charles will be deeply missed and cherished forever. As long as we live, we will keep him in our hearts.
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