We, the family of Vaughn Phillip Martin, age 61, are heartbroken and beyond devastated to announce his sudden and unexpected passing on Thursday July 3, 2025.
Vaughn was a larger than life presence who knew everyone and was a fixture in his hometown of Amherst. He grew up on “the Hill” surrounded by family and friends and would live there for most of his life in the house he was raised in by his treasured Aunt Margaret.
Born on January 1, 1964, Vaughn graduated from Springhill Vocational School in the electrical program before going to work at Enheat, later IMP for 32 years. He was then employed by the Town of Amherst where, among other things he grew beautiful flower baskets which were admired by tourists and locals alike. During a strike at IMP he attended Akerley College in Dartmouth where he took the trade of Bricklaying, laying the foundation for his own Masonry business of which he was very proud.
We can’t talk about Vaughn without including sports. In his early years he played hockey and baseball and was known for his pitching prowess. His hockey career moved to coaching early on which he dedicated a large portion of his life to. He began in minor hockey, taking an undefeated Midget Bombers team to a provincial championship. Eventually he was an assistant coach, then the head coach of the Amherst Junior A Ramblers, a team his son would later play for. The team earned a provincial championship under his guidance.
Vaughn could be rough around the edges but would help anyone in need even to his own detriment. He had a sense of humour that was known far and wide and loved to tease. He was an amazing cook, something he took up when Jeremiah was born. His specialty was seafood chowder and if he brought you some, you knew it was the best you ever tasted. He could always be found with his nose in a recipe book and there was usually a delicious meal on the table. Just this week, he received his seven year pin as a member of the local Lions Club, for whom he also cooked.
Gardening was a favourite past time as well, and many family and friends were the recipients of fresh produce. His Aunt Lucy referred to him as farmer Clem.
The most important person in his life and of whom he was the most proud, was his son, Jeremiah. He loved him fiercely from the moment he was born and would have done anything for him, as anyone who knew him could attest. It goes without saying Jeremiah felt the same about his dad.
He was so proud of his sons accomplishments and could always be found at a stadium or ballfield supporting him. The loss to Jeremiah is immense.
Vaughn is survived by his son, Jeremiah, Amherst and step son, Justin Court (Maddie), Ottawa; partner, Stacy Paris, Amherst; Aunt, Jackie Fowler, Prince George, BC; brother, Shannon Robertson, Ontario, brother, Eric Robertson, Amherst; mother, Donna Hilson, Ontario; special nephews, Reese Burbine and Chase Deleon; great aunt, Gladys Riley; Jeremiah’s mother, Lisa Martin; best friends, Ed Cooke, Randy Farrow, Randy Hicks, David MacDonald and many others. Finally, left to grieves is his faithful companion of nine years, cherished Newfoundland dog, Marvin, also known as Bubs.
Vaughn was predeceased by his great aunt, Margaret Martin who raised him; father, Alfred “Hooky” Martin; sister, Cindy Delion; Aunt, Lucie Bishop; maternal and paternal grandparents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church Street, Amherst, NS.
A service to celebrate Vaughn’s life will take place on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 11am with Rev. Jonathan Cole officiating held at the First Baptist Church, 90 Victoria St E, Amherst, NS. Reception to follow, followed by a private burial in the Amherst Cemetery.
In Vaughn’s memory, please share stories and have a toast to his life with a glass of Caption Morgan’s dark rum.
