Memorial Funds for Winnipeg Artist Daniel Martin

This is Daniel. 



You may have noticed him pop up in our social media – a friend of the restaurant. His beautiful art hangs on the walls at Feast, in the homes of some of our customers, staff and many Winnipeggers who met him on our street corners. 


Daniel James Martin born Nov 28 1957 passed away Sunday July 28 2019 at the age of 62 years old. 
He was from Roseau River First Nation. At the age of 8 years old he was placed in residential school.  He never returned home and spent years in and out of foster care. At the age of 24 years old he found his passion for drawing upon meeting a man in Selkirk MB who taught him native art, this reconnected him to his First Nation culture. This is what Daniel was most proud of- his artwork!



Like many displaced individuals in our city, Daniel didn’t have a family. In fact, as a frequent visitor of Feast, in the end, he listed owner Christa as his next of kin and shared his last wishes with her. Christa and Feast staff developed a friendship with Daniel that will forever be special. Upon drop ins to the cafe he would humbly ask for just a piece of apple pie, a glass of milk, or a cup of bison chili and took one piece of bannock to go “I love your bannock, it’s good bannock” he would say, each time. 


After a meeting to make final arrangements for Daniel, Christa learned that many of our city’s displaced move into the great beyond with no celebration of life, no gathering of grieving loved ones, no last wishes acted out. 


We would not let this happen for Daniel. 


Daniel is Winnipeg. His spirit was wise beyond his years, he was kind, humble, jolly and his journey was one that no others will tread. We want to make his last journey the way he wanted and so as Daniel shared his gift of art with us, we ask that you share too. 



Please donate to help with funeral costs for Daniel so he will go wherever his spirit may venture with dignity and the grace he shared with us at every visit. Please join us and fill a room to celebrate Daniel on August 15 2019 at 11:00am First Lutheran Church 580 Victor Street- the church he proudly attended for 15 years. A small luncheon will follow.

Our plan is to use the funds for the costs not covered by government assistance and follow Daniel's last wishes. We'll be providing a luncheon with Daniel's favourite foods and reach out to local shelters where Daniel frequented and ensure all who wish to attend the service have means to do so. If we exceed our goal, we will donate extra funds to the Salvation Army and Main Street Project, where Daniel resided.