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Who is Joe Marten?
Joe Marten was born in Germany and trained as a tool and die
maker. He immigrated to Canada in 1961 to follow his dreams
of wide open spaces, adventure and freedom. Joe first settled
in Kitchener, Ontario, where one of his first purchases
(even before a car) was a horse,
and he became of member of the Pioneer Trail Riders Club of
Toronto. He loved the Canadian outdoors, and western horsemanship.
In 1966 Joe moved to BC after completing a three-month wilderness
trip on horseback - over 500 miles from Williams Lake to Pemberton
over coastal mountains.
Joe purchased 10 acres in the 150 Mile House area. He moved
an old heritage log home from Pablo Mountain, and reassembled
in on his property. He meticulously built a unique western
heritage theme around his property and home. He collected and
restored horse drawn equipment and wagons. His mantle is covered
with a fantastic spur collection, many of which were collected
from all over North America. In their many travels, when Joe saw
any western or cowboy related items he had trouble not picking
them up and bringing them home.
Joe and his wife, Traudl, enjoyed many years of western living.
He had perfected his
hobby of silver-smithing, spurmaking, and engraving and his
talent was quickly recognized and respected around the province.
Joe and Traudl travelled to exhibitions and he received top
honors in his craft.
Joe Marten passed away unexpectedly in 1999 after suffering
serious injuries in a riding accident. Joe's love of western
and cowboy heritage was evident in everything he did. The Joe
Marten Memorial Award for the Preservation of Cowboy Heritage
in BC was created in Joe's memory. It is adorned by a pair of
spurs that Joe made.
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