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Object History: Elmer Wilson Martin was a professional engineer who lived much of his life in Burnaby. He married Ellen Renetta "Reta" (Boyd) Martin in approx. 1930 and the couple moved to Burnaby in 1931 for him to attend UBC. He later enlisted in the RCAF during WWII where he served as a pilot and wing commander. Elmer ran Martin's Auto Villa at 6604 East Hastings Street (later 6574 East Hastings Street) and was heavily involved in local Burnaby politics and with the North Burnaby Board of Trade. The donor states that he ran for Burnaby mayor in 1959 and also donated land to S.F.U. in the late 1960's. He had many businesses throughout his life including Paneloc Buildings, a pre-fab building manufacturing company. His last position was as Director with the construction company Webb & Knapp Canada Ltd.