Family and friends are mourning the loss of WAMBO founder John Martin.
Martin passed away on May 7 after a brief battle with cancer. He and his father started the antique boat and classic car show in Wallaceburg 32 years ago.
Martin's friend and current festival chair Bill Wolsing said Martin will be sorely missed and there are plans to pay tribute to him either this year or next year.
"We will make sure we honour him well," said Wolsing. "We're going to try and carry on his tradition."
Wolsing said he was surprised Martin passed away so suddenly.
"I knew he wasn't feeling well but I didn't know it was coming that quick. It's sad," added an emotional Wolsing.
The Wallaceburg native was affectionately known as Stoney. The 69-year-old loved rugby and played for it 30 years. He even started the Wallaceburg Mercenaries Rugby Club in the early 80s.
Martin was a life long avid boater and Wolsing said he was always happiest on the water.
The Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements but said there will be no public service because Martin didn't want one.
Martin is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Brander, and granddaughter Delilah.
