Martin Thomas Janiga

   It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martin Janiga at age 58 on March 12, 2023 after his courageous battle with cancer.

   Martin was born in the Crowsnest Pass, AB and called it home for the full length of his life. Born on May 25,1964 to Sharon and Thomas Janiga, Martin began his life living in their family home in River Bottom where he enjoyed riding his bike and joined the local Junior Forest Wardens and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets; a passion he would pass along to all three of his children. His mechanical nature began through the fun he had as a member of the high school rocketry club, and flourished as he got many vehicles of his own.

   Martin was a hard worker and was always busy doing something. His first jobs were working for the town through his summer holidays and pumping gas in Coleman at the Little Chief Texaco. After he graduated from Crowsnest Consolidated High School, he dedicated 23 years to driving loader and lumber prep at Natal Forest Products. When the plant closed, Martin didn’t miss a beat driving equipment and moved his employment to Teck starting at Coal Mountain and then concluding his career at Line Creek Operations. He even took a temporary position at 7-Eleven, Atlas and the occasional garbage truck run while he experienced strikes at the mine.

   When he was not working, he loved to spend his time camping, working on vehicles, and treasure hunting for second hand bargains. He enjoyed relaxing in his armchair with both his dogs on either side, indulging in pastries and sweets, and finding the newest gadgets he could tinker with.

   As his children grew, he dedicated many years to volunteering as a leader for the local Boy Scouts of Canada and for the Pass Piranhas Swim Club as the club’s equipment manager, a timer and race starter at weekend swim meets. His care for family was also displayed with his weekly visits to his mom and dad and in helping them regularly with anything they needed. Whether it was long conversations in the grocery store, having coffee, or sharing a meal at Chris’ Restaurant, Martin loved to socialize and found regular comfort and laughter amongst friends.

   He will be forever remembered by his wife, Angela; his children, Alisha (Shaun) Reil, Sheldon (Danielle) Janiga and Ryan (Betty) Knight; his grandchildren, Jake, Autumn, Kai, Alexis, Miley, Avery, and Jameson; his parents, Sharon and Thomas Janiga; his siblings, Joni (Clarence) Bohmer, Judy Emslie, Dianne (Darcy) Sorochan; and his puppies, Cosmo and Haley.

   A Visitation will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, March, 20, 2023 at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 – 20 Ave., Blairmore, AB).  A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the Bellevue Legion (2401 – 213 St., Bellevue, AB).  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the 859 Squadron Support Committee (PO Box 808 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0), or by the Pass Piranhas Swim Club (PO Box 887 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

  Special thanks to the staff at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, notably Kara and Jackie for going above and beyond, to everyone at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and to Dr. Johann Maritz for their attentiveness and care through Martin’s journey.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555