Andre "Coach" Martin

Andre was born November 27, 1925 in Montreal, Quebec, the only child of Herve Martin and Marie Ann Saucier-Martin. At the age of 6, Andre began to play hockey and continued until 18 years of age, when he joined the French Canadian Army (1942-1945). Like many French families, Andre and his parents spent summer vacations on the lake at Pointe Calumet. One weekend, while spending his "military leave" on the lake, Andre and Hilda met. For their first date, he took her to the "San Souci" (Without Worries) Dane Hall and that lead to a 7 year courtship and many more years of dancing together and summers on the lake. They wed on April 29, 1950 and remained together until his passing May 11, 2015 just after celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Hockey was the second love of Andre's life and he was lucky to play professional hockey in the Montreal Canadiens farm system in the 1940's. In 1952, Andre and Hilda moved to Torrance, California and raised their children. Andre worked for Shell Oil, Midland Rubber, Black Angus Restaurant, Larry Flynt Publications and owned "Andy's Liquor" store in Long Beach, but he never left the world of hockey. Not only was he incredibly proud to coach his son and grandson for many years, he was also a well-known South Bay hockey coach for teams, which included: El Camino College Warriors (undefeated 1995), California Golden Bears, The Waves, South Bay Flyers and finally, the Peninsula High School Boys' Varsity team, where he retired at nearly 80 years of age. Andre is survived by his beautiful wife Hilda, three children: Danielle, Randy (Victoria) and Stephanie (Mike), as well as, their seven grandchildren: Tara (Erik), Matt (Joanna), Allie, Michaela, Christian, Ryan and James.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275