Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 08/02) - Cecil Martin's family knew he was "all thumbs" and "accident-prone," but were shocked to hear of his death at Con Mine.

Cecil Martin, 53, was killed Oct. 28 when he was crushed between a loader and a pickup truck at Con Mine. - photo courtesy of Lori Martin

Martin, a 53-year-old full-time carpenter at the mine since 1987, was crushed between a loader and a pickup truck Oct. 28.

He was pronounced dead at Stanton Territorial Hospital not long after the accident occurred.

His sudden death devastated his wife, Sylvia, daughter Trina and 15 brothers and sisters, and left them wondering how such a tragic accident could have happened.

"Up until his death I didn't realize how important somebody is in your life until something tragic happens," said Cheryl Martin, Cecil's sister-in-law, as she began to sob.

"I had no idea I loved him so much." Born in Boswarlos, Nfld., Cecil was a carpenter since the age of 17.

He moved to Yellowknife in 1984, first working with Alpha Construction before commencing his career at Con Mine.

But Cecil's work never ended after a long day at the mine.

He was constantly doing odd jobs for friends and family around town, whether it was building a deck, putting down a hardwood floor or building a hope chest.

"He would drop everything to come and help you," said his brother Nathaniel.

Even after Cecil severed three fingers several years ago, he found a way to cope with his disability and carry on with his carpentry work.

"He was always doing things - putting screwdrivers through his hand, cutting his fingers off, getting a saw or an axe in the leg," said Nathaniel.

Because Cecil was so accident-prone, Nathaniel's first reaction when he heard something had happened to his older brother was "What did he do now?"

But then he realized it was quite serious this time.

"I was in shock.

I couldn't believe it," said Nathaniel.

Cecil passed on his master carpentry skills to both Nathaniel and brother Ricky, who followed Cecil to Yellowknife.

"He got me into the trade.

"If we needed to know something he was there to teach us," said Ricky.

Cecil was just a few years away from retirement.

He planned to move to Nova Scotia and continue to do odd carpentry jobs for anyone who needed his assistance.

"He was a good man and he touched a lot of lives.

"I wish I could have known what we know now before this happened because he is going to be missed," said Cheryl.

"I loved him very much," said his daughter Trina.

"He gave me the world and he was my Superman, my hero."