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Celebration of life for Schultz

A celebration of life is being planned for the Penticton man who died in a motor vehicle incident on Highway 97C in November.
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A celebration of life is being planned for the Penticton man who died in a motor vehicle incident on Highway 97C in November.

Martin Lewis Schultz, 44, died on the scene Nov. 16 when his SUV that went out of control on his way to work.

Carolyn Zeleniski, Schultz’s sister-in-law, has received many phone calls since Schultz died, a testament to his impact in the community, she said.

“Marty touched a lot of people’s lives. He was a very good man, he was well liked and he knew a lot of people out here,” Zeleniski said.

Schultz, who grew up in Merritt and moved to the Okanagan six years ago, left behind two children ages 13 and 15 and a wife of 23 years.

Schultz worked as a youth co-ordinator at the Ooknakane Friendship Centre in Penticton and more recently worked with Britco Structures.

A funeral was held in Mission in November, where Schultz grew up. Due to his strong community connections in the Okanagan, the family will also be hosting a celebration of life in Penticton.

“He just got along with everybody. Everybody liked him. He was very friendly, outgoing. I have received phone call after phone call. All his ex-coworkers he’s ever had since he’s been out here, they all want to attend a service,” Zeleniski said.

The celebration of life is set for January and the finalized date will be set after Christmas. The celebration omay be hosted by the Ooknakane Friendship Centre to honour his work there. Schultz also went to school with the daughter of famed Penticton Elvis impersonator Relvis, who may sing at the celebration.

He enjoyed fishing, hiking, hunting and hockey as well, but mostly Schultz was known as a man with many friends.

“He knew a lot of people. You couldn’t go anywhere without him running into somebody he knew,” said Zelenski.