I know Martin would have been so surprised and touched by the condolences expressed by all the people who took the time to post here. I am reminded of what a great brother and friend I lost. Our parents will grieve till the day they meet again. The love and loyalty of his friends is also an inspiration. I could not have asked for a better brother and friend and I am so grateful that he was with us for as long as he was. I am not alone in missing him. My heart goes out to all who have a hole in their life where Martin used to be. Ame (sis)

We met Martin when he took Mio to our shop for an emergency grooming for his dog, Mio, one night. He told me that Mio was dropped off to him at his backyard by Mio’s previous caregiver with extremely poor condition. In our professional eyes, Martin was just too kind to understate the situation. He was sad to see Mio in such distress and was genuine with his love to Mio. As such, we made an exception to him and stayed late that night to bring Mio back to superb condition.

During the grooming, we chatted. He was an open, honest and kind person. We just knew when people like Martin who loved a dog this much, he had to be kind from his soul. This kindness will certainly extend to any other circumstances wherever he was.

Though our path only crossed briefly, he made an impression in our hearts.

To Martin’s family, we would like to extend our condolences to all of you. His kindness lives on.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. It seems like a dream when we gathered together for the Christmas Potluck… loved his smile, laugh and positive attitude. He will be missed.

Martin worked just down the hall from my office in M Building. We became friends, and he always would have a smile and a big laugh. Martin was not one to not speak his mind. If Martin had to leave a message on my phone he would give me hell saying “it’s about time you picked up John”. I was at Martin’s house three weeks ago and we went out for a bite and had a good talk. I did not know it would be the last time I would see him. My thoughts are with his family. Miss you Martin.

I was very upset to hear of Martin’s passing because on the Monday, Feb 1st, Martin stopped by my desk that morning. I said, “Hi Martin”, “What can I do for you today”, he said, “Nothing I just wanted to stop by for a change and not ask for anything but to say “Good Morning”. I said, well how nice of you, Good morning to you to Martin. Martin smiled from ear to ear. We both did! I will miss Martin, he was a very nice and genuine person. I enjoyed who he was, he was different and because he was different I liked him even more….he was sincere, he was honest and he had a big heart and he was very happy that day. My prayers are with all of his family at this difficult time. God Bless you Martin!

Sincerely,

Tracy D’Amour

Martin was an energetic and fun person to be with. We had many discussions about work, raising children and relationships. I know how much he loved his family and what friendships meant to him.

His commitment to health and safety at The City of Calgary was enormous in the short time he was a safety advisor and all of the members on our safety team are going to miss his presence and contribution.

He often brought a different point of view based on his field and training position experience which we may not have considered.

At times, I still think he is only a phone call away or just around the corner, cigarette going…big laugh…telling it how it is, to one of the many people who were party to that look and accompanying sincerity.

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I worked with Martin for a short time. He always went out of his way to chat or to help out. He had a heart of gold. We will miss his smiling face and laughter. Martin was very proud of his career and spoke highly of his accomplishments in everything he did. We will missed him dearly. He was the HEART of our city.

Dear Martin’s Family and Friends,

I was saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. We worked at the City together, and he has left a lasting impression of caring for people and dedication to his work on me. I will miss his honest and heartfelt presence here. I pray that the fond and happy memories you have of your blessings of time with Martin will carry through this difficult time.

Kristine

Dear Heinz, Maria, and family,

Many years ago my siblings,mom and father Victor Kotowski visited with your family. We would like to thank you for the happy memories we have of the family that shared our surname. We are thinking of you at this time of grief and sorrow.

We pray for our dear Lord to protect and keep your family safe as you grieve the loss of your loved one.

Jo Ann(Kotowski)Gallucci,Liza(Kotowski)Sadownyk,Christina Kotowski, and Jim Kotowski

Heather;

I’m sorry to hear of Martin’s passing.

My thoughts are with you and John.

Brian Smith

Heather – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that you and your son will take strength in the many memories you have and the love you shared. Phillipians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Dear Kotowski Family,

Please accept our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Martin. Mr. & Mrs. Heinz Kotowski, we know the love you have for your children and grandchildren is unconditional; we can’t imagine the loss you feel.

Your family is very close and we hope this gives you all strength to cope with Martin’s passing.

Doug & Sue de Grood

My condolances to the family and must say surprise and shock to hear of Martins passing. For the last 15 years Martin and I attended classes together when he got his Safety Certification, and worked together on many in house training aspects that we needed at my work site.

Though sometimes a bit rough around the edges, you had to know Martin to understand him. His heart had a bravado patch covering it on his arm, when the need was there he was always available. He will be missed, and not forgotten.

I worked down the hall from Martin for some time and he always took the time to stop and say hi and share some laughs! He put his heart and soul into his work and will be dearly missed by all. It is with sadness for his family that we will have him in our prayers.

Take care Martin!

My sincere condolences to you. I had the pleasure of working with Martin for a little over a year. Even in that short time I shared many laughs with him. I will definitely miss my partner in crime at the many safety/enviro meetings we attended together.

Natasha

My sincere condolences to Martin’s family. Martin and I worked together for most of my time at The City. He created a persona that masked the real Martin. He was an intelligent, thoughtful person that you could count on to do the right thing. Him and I often “discussed” change and how important it was in the development of people and organizations. He was a committed employee who had the best interests of his fellow employees and the organization at heart. His big heart and laughter will be missed. Keep trucking Martin!!

To the family of Martin. I am very sorry to hear of Martins passing. Martin was a good friend and coworker. He will be greatly missed by myself and by the City of Calgary. Martin was liked by all.

Martins friend

Mike

Martin’s light hearted laughter and jokes will be missed by all at fleet.

Mike Hubbard

I had the privledge of knowing Martin for the last 10 years through his involvement with the Alberta Fleet Maintenance Supervisors Association. His sense of humor and dedication to the Association were always appreciated and will be truly missed. The memorial picture of Martin is characteristic of how Martin loved to bring a smile to any and everyone’s face. Please accept my feeling of deep sorrow for your loss. He will be missed.

Kelly Scheer

President

AFMSA, Calgary Chapter

I worked with Martin for many years and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Bill

So sorry to hear of your loss .. Martin will always be remembered he was a great friend. My prayers are with you all .. Linda

I met Martin at our AFMSA meetings and

watched for several years his picture

taking. I was bugging him lately about not

bringing his camera. At our Christmas

party I felt he was part of the Cast being

the Judge. With his great wit he made the

whole night! I will miss Martin. With the

deepest sympathy to Martin’s family he

will be never be out of my prayers.

Ken Bicknell

Martin was a special friend of mine and I will miss him dearly. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss, my thoughts are with you all. The world does not shine as bright without Martin in it.

Martin was a member of AFMSA Calgary since 1997. He served on the Executive Committee many times and was always lending a helping hand at many of our events and at most of our monthly meetings. Martin’s great sence of humor and wonderful smile will be dearly missed! Our deepest sympathy to Martin’s family and friends.

I met Martin through AFMSA Calgary. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Executive Committee and at our monthly meetings. I could always count on him to help out by taking photos at our meeting’s. But more than this, he was a friendly, caring and sweet man who I will miss very much. My deepest sympathy to Martin’s Family!