Martin F. Palmer Jr.

Martin F. Palmer Jr.

NORTH CANAAN — Martin F. Palmer Jr. was born April 17, 1942, and died July 7, 2024.

Martin, otherwise known as Marty or Butch, was preceded in death by his mother Blanche, father Martin Sr., son Jimmy, and daughter Laura. He is survived by his partner of 35 years Susan, his children: Russell, Ginger, Douglas, his stepchildren; Vicki, Jason, and Jesse. As well as many family and friends.

Marty lost his battle with cancer after being diagnosed this February. He left this world surrounded by his family and classic country music being played in the background.

In life Marty was a hard worker, working for years in Hartford in appliances. He worked for 16 years at Hamilton Booksellers until he retired.Even after retiring Marty could not stay still and worked part-time delivering pizzas at Pizza Hut. Marty was also a caring father, grandfather, and friend. He would always have a pot of coffee and an entertaining story for guests. You may have already heard the story before but he would tell them with such enthusiasm you would gladly listen again.

On a perfect afternoon Marty and Sue would take a long drive through the countryside enjoying nature and pointing out birds and animals with a cup of coffee. His favorite pastime was fishing. Every year he would work on his boat getting it ready to launch on the water. Nothing made him happier than to spend the day on his boat with a thermos of coffee and a fishing pole in his hand.

Marty will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His kindness and humor will stay with us for the rest of our lives. We can’t accept that he is really gone, so we will just say he’s gone fishin’.

Per Marty’s wishes a private burial will be held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry PO Box 306, Canaan CT 06018.

Latest News

Haystack Festival brings literary minds to Norfolk

The Great Room at Norfolk Library filled to capacity for the Haystack Festival.

Jennifer Almquist

Just after noon on Sunday, Oct. 6, attendees of Norfolk Foundation’s Haystack Festival spilled out of the red Shingle Style Norfolk Library into brilliant October sunshine, emerging from the final book talk of the weekend (excepting an event for young readers later in the day). The talk, which was a conversation between horse experts journalist Sarah Maslin Nir and author David Chaffetz, was rife with equine puns and startling facts. The tongue-in-cheek use of the word “cavalier” brought laughs from the engaged audience, while Nir disclosed that horses eat for a full 16 hours a day.

The talk brought levity and humor to the festival’s conclusion, while also diving into the serious history of the relationship between society and horses. Chaffetz explained horses were fundamental in the formation of large empires: “We don’t see empires until horses became fundamental to the political state.” Nir elaborated that the “wild” horses in North America are not native, but feral horses descended from animals brought by Spanish imperialists. “No tea grows in England,” she explained, “it is the result of empire – and so are horses.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Project SAGE's solemn vigil

"The Red Sand Project" is intended to draw attention to often overlooked domestic violence issues in the Northwest Corner.

Natalia Zukerman

To mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Project SAGE held its annual community vigil on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at Community Field in Lakeville. Project SAGE is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting, advocating, guiding and educating victims of relationship violence through a range of services and outreach programs.

A large group of people gathered quietly in the center of the field where they were handed packets of red sand. Red Sand Project, created by artist and activist Molly Gochman, is a participatory artwork that uses sidewalk interventions and earthwork installations to encourage people to reflect, connect, and take action against the vulnerabilities that contribute to human trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Northwest Corner artists unite for Clay Way Tour Oct. 19-20

Pottery of all sorts will be on display at the Clay Way Tour, featuring 26 area artists.

Provided

Now in its 8th year, The Clay Way Studio Tour is an annually held event featuring some of Connecticut’s best potters. Twenty six artists will show their work among nine studios.

The Tour takes place in Litchfield County Connecticut and Wingdale, New York Oct.19 and 20 from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Potter and organizer Jane Herald explained the origin of the tour.

Keep ReadingShow less