South Delta has lost an integral part of its music scene.
Marty Hatlelid, also known as Guitar Marty, passed away April 10 at his home in Ladner, just one year after being diagnosed with ALS.
The community rallied around Hatlelid and his family following the diagnosis and last October a fundraiser, Party for Marty, rocked the Ladner Community Centre with live bands and a silent auction. The funds went toward making ground floor living a reality for his family so they wouldn't have to leave their home of almost 17 years.
Hatlelid and his family have had a long-standing connection with Ladner and South Delta. His wife, Alison Acheson, grew up in Tsawwassen, and their sons have attended school, played sports and worked at local businesses.
Most in the community knew Hatlelid as Guitar Marty, a long-time music teacher who leaves a legacy of young and growing musicians.
This past November saw his 10th annual Rock School Concert at Ladner Community Centre, where eight bands of young people, including his youngest son, performed. He offered his Rock School every summer to teach aspiring musicians the finer points of playing in a rock band.
Hatlelid also spent time teaching in the Delta high schools' alternative programs. Teacher Trish Duggan said he "had a special gift" and "made the students feel valued and appreciated."
While many illnesses necessitate lengthy hospital stays, people with ALS can generally remain at home with care.
Dr. David Kason and public health nurse Cathy Kirk, occupational therapist Mary-Ann Fulks, physiotherapist Joy Gibson, hospice volunteer Tama Recker and care-aid Daryle Sherman, as well as other local health practitioners, became constants in the family's life once home visits were the only option. Throughout the past months, family, friends, and neighbours continued to support the family with food, housecleaning and all sorts of offerings.
Diane Askin of Netclimbers, the Ladner web-design company, and a former president of the Ladner Business
Association, introduced Hatlelid to the LBA. This resulted in many community connections. "Marty loved people and always had a genuine interest in getting to know each person he connected with," said Askin.
Hatlelid was also an enthusiastic member of Beach Grove Golf Club. It didn't take him long to know every member and create nicknames for all.
Andy Girling, fellow club member and Hatlelid's first golf teacher, said it was Beach Grove Golf Club's honour to have Hatlelid as a member.
"Marty was everyone's friend."
One of his contributions to the golf scene was an annual New Year's Day tournament, no matter the weather, that's now in its 21st year.
"Marty is and was a golf legend in his own right," said Girling.
A Tribute to Marty will be held at South Delta Baptist Church on Friday, April 29. The service will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow.
