Martin Darcy FRIGO
Martin Darcy Frigo, age 47, of St. Albert, Alberta, passed away unexpectedly on October 27, 2024. Born on May 29, 1977, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Giovanni and the late Irena Frigo, Martin’s life was marked by his unwavering love for his family, dedication to his work, and commitment to his community.
Martin was a devoted husband to his wife, Beth, and a loving father to their daughters, Julia and Amy, who were his pride and joy. His love for his family was boundless, and he took every opportunity to be actively present in their lives. A lover of the outdoors, Martin treasured family camping trips, exploring nature, and sharing his adventurous spirit with his daughters. Through these experiences, he taught Julia and Amy not just to appreciate nature but to approach life with curiosity and courage.
A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Martin began his career as a city planner in Fort McMurray, where he met Beth, the love of his life. They later moved to St. Albert, where Martin dedicated his career to improving communities as a city planner for The City of St. Albert, Parkland County, and, ultimately, The City of Edmonton. Respected for his professionalism and admired for his calm demeanor, Martin approached every challenge thoughtfully, earning him the admiration of his colleagues and friends.
Martin’s kindness and genuine interest in others made him a beloved conversationalist. Whether chatting with family, friends, or the staff at Trail Tire who knew him by name, Martin had an easygoing warmth that invited connections wherever he went.
An active member of the St. Albert Kinsmen Club, Martin found fulfillment in his contributions to the community. His dedication to service brought him lasting friendships and a strong sense of purpose, as he worked to make a difference in the lives of others.
Martin is survived by his loving wife, Beth; his cherished daughters, Julia and Amy; his father, Giovanni; and his siblings, Teresa (Ben) and Peter (Shannon). He is also remembered by his mother-in-law, Judy; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Shawn (Stephanie) and Allison (Ryan); and his nieces and nephews, Dimitri, Trevor, Hannah, Riley, and Mallory. Martin was predeceased by his son, Jeremy; his mother, Irena; and his father-in-law, Ron. Also leaving to mourn is his Uncle Silvano (Delores), and cousins Maurizio and Moira of Vicenza, Italy.
Martin’s passing has left an unfillable void, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created.
A funeral service to celebrate Martin’s life will be held on November 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Alberta, honoring his memory with a cause close to his heart.
A memorial mass for Martin will be held in Winnipeg at a future date.
Beth, Julia anx Amy,
I have no words to express my deepest sympathies. Martin always had a great story and a genuine smile. Martin will be truly missed. Wishing you all strength in the upcoming days, weeks and months, wishing I could be there,
Love Nicole
Happy to meet, sorry to to part. My thoughts go out to all who had the privilege of knowing this wonderful human being. I will treasure my memories with him. 💜💜💜💜
I feel so privileged to have been friends with Martin. He was the kindest person I ever met. I’m going to miss that everything we we’re hanging up the phone he’d say ” it was great hearing your voice friend”. Huge love to you and the girls
In loving memory of Martin, a gentleman whose kindness and generous spirit touched our lives
so deeply. He was family. He will always be so missed. Our thoughts, prayers and love are
with you in this unbelievable time of sorrow and will be always with you and your family.
With love,
Allan and Rebecca Utz
Martin was, without a doubt, one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. He had an ability to make his friends and colleagues feel genuinely valued. Martin’s authenticity was resolute, and he embodied it in his every interaction.
Martin referred to the Parkland County planning team as the “Dream Team”. I remember our planning leadership meetings and that he had a way of making those meetings feel inspiring. He spoke about resilience and the importance of mentorship. Through his quiet strength and genuine guidance, Martin left an indelible mark, showing us by example what it means to lead with both heart and purpose.
Beth, Julia and Amy,
My heartfelt condolences to you and entire family. Martin was very kind and amazing man. We will always remember him as a good father walking with a great smile at SIGIS door.
Sending you positive thoughts, hugs and lots of prayers. You’re in my thoughts. if you need anytime help for the girls I am here for you Beth!
I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Martin. I have fond memories of working with Martin at the RMWB and recall the excitement when you two announced your engagement. I am thinking of you at this difficult time.
There are no words to fully express how wonderful Martin was, how deeply he loved his family and his work, and how fortunate I feel to have called him a friend. The void left by losing him is immeasurable. I know his spirit will live on through Beth and their girls, whom he cherished so deeply.
Martin and I shared countless memories and inside jokes. Recently, as we reconnected at the City of Edmonton, he, Beth, and I enjoyed meeting up for lunch, talking about our kids, our dreams, and the future. Martin had so many plans, and it is a profound loss to the world that he won’t be here to see them through. Every community he served was made better by his dedication, and it was an honour to witness him in action at the two different municipalities we worked at together.
I will miss you so much, friend. I already miss our G-chats and meeting up by the elevators. I’ll keep riding the unicycle in your honour and will carry your memory with me always.
Dear Beth, Julia and Amy,
Our deepest condolences to you, the entire family and friends. Martin was always such a friendly face and it was so evident the moment I met him how much he loved his family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Isabelle, Eric and Charlotte
Words alone cannot adequately express our shock and sadness when we learned of Martin’s passing. A staple in our neighbourhood, ALWAYS waving when driving by, or making a point to say “hello” when we were outside. His love for family was evident in the gentle manner that he spoke to his loving daughters. Their trust in their Dad was evident in the way they looked and listened to him. Thank you Martin for the laughs and love you shared with our neighbourhood. It won’t be the same without you and your smile!
You will be remembered!
The Shrubb’s
Scott/Kendra/Emily and Owen
It’s near impossible to describe how incredible of a person Martin was. I was truly lucky and I am incredibly grateful to have known him for the time I did. I always looked forward to seeing him, Beth and the kids. An absolutely outstanding man that everybody should’ve had the privilege of knowing.
I miss you so much.
Our deepest condolences to the Family. Martin, I often think about you, your constant smile and helping while being at home with your parents, your loving hugs for the visitors. Wonderful soul. You will be missed by very many people, I am sure. Now you are near your beloved mother and together will look up from above after the closest family. May you rest in peace.
Dear Beth, Julia, and Amy,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your Dad was the best father anyone could ever wish for, and his love for you shone through in every story he shared with us. He would light up when he talked about each of you, filling the room with his pride and warmth. As a colleague and friend, he was truly exceptional, always dedicated, and always bringing joy to those around him. He was more than just a coworker; he was an incredible person who made each workday better just by being there.
Martin’s work as a Planner was a testament to his deep commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. His passion for his work left a meaningful impact on every place he served, and he cared deeply about making a difference in people’s lives. Above all, his heart belonged to Beth, the love of his life, and his admiration for her was always evident. I know he will forever be with you, looking down with immense pride at the amazing daughters you raised. Martin was, and always will be, an unforgettable friend to me, and he will be missed dearly.
Dear Beth,
I am beyond sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. The write up was so true and as I did I am sure everyone did feel his sincerity and his quest to know one beyond the story they told. He was an incredible person and as it said leaves a void for those who knew and loved him.
Happy to have known, sad it was only for a short time.
The true definition of a family man, Martin was the person we all strive to be. Loving, kind, and generous in all ways. Martin had that special talent for making us all feel like superstars; important and valued. A smile that could light up the room, Martin could always be relied upon for a laugh or a cry. We are forever grateful for Martin’s friendship and support, and lessons in what it means to have strength and resilience.
He made space for us all.
To Beth, Julia and Amy, we expresses our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and Daddy. We love you.
It was a pleasure to know Martin. He had a great sense of humour and love for his family! He was taken too soon!!
Dear Beth, Julia and Amy,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We are glad we got to know Martin. He was a kind a caring person who always had a great respect for people he knew and meet. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kanna, Akane and Rick
Beth, Julia, Amy, and Extended Family,
Though none of us can change these sad circumstances, I pray that the many thoughtful words from others can help make things even a little more manageable as you journey through this difficult season. I knew Martin since 2011 through various Planning circles, and it was always a pleasure running into him at conferences, meetings, social get-togethers, etc. More recently, Martin hired me on contract at Parkland County in 2021, during which time I reported to him directly, and experienced first-hand all of the incredible attributes that others have described: kind, dedicated, a mentor, always smiling, made others feel valued, and loved his family. He was taken from you much too soon, and you have my sympathies and prayers.
Craig Walker
I had the pleasure and honour of working collaboratively with Martin over the past decade or so on several regional and intermunicipal planning projects as well as working on committees with him helping to advance our professional planning association. I recall always really looking forward to seeing Martin, enjoying and learning from our time together, and then just feeling good after being with him. I understand from talking to many others that their ‘Martin experiences’ were just like mine. He was someone who enriched those around him just by being himself, and he will certainly be missed!
Beth, Julia and Amy,
I am very sorry for your loss. Martin was such a great man and dad. He was taken way too soon! He will be missed tremendously. Know that you can reach out at any time if you need to talk.
Heartbreaking loss for an amazing family to lose someone so special to so many people. May his spirit live on in his daughters and the memories of all who knew and loved him.
Beth, Julia and Amy
I am so sorry for your loss. Martin was a friend and likely the nicest person on the planet. I feel blessed to have known him and will miss our “conference” calls with Barb and how nobody wanted to hang up, and all his funny stories of misadventure.
Words seem inadequate to express the profound sadness for the incredible loss of Martin. He was a truly special man; a husband who cherished his family, a father who doted on his children, and a friend who was thoughtful, engaging and considerate.
His humility was as genuine as his beautiful soul. Martin lived a life of integrity, always striving to do what was right, remained steadfast in his convictions; he always setting an example for all who knew him. His dedication to his family was unwavering, and his love for his children shone brightly and reflected every time he spoke of them – which was often.
My heart aches for his family, and I offer my deepest condolences. May the memories of his loving presence bring comfort and strength during this difficult time. Martin will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, his passion for community, and his incredible kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Rod
Beth, Julia, Amy & family.
Our deepest condolences on your loss of a wonderful man.
You were our first friends on the block when we were building our homes and we have bonded through the years.
We have valued our friendship and always will.
Martin deeply cared about others and always took an interest in how everyone else was doing. He always made sure that a person mattered.
His compassion and kindness was limitless.
Martin loved all 3 of you, his girls, beyond words.
We are very saddened but his goodness will live on forever through Julia & Amy.
God bless you all.
Gary, Lucille, Brandon & Brogan
Wyrazy głębokiego współczucia , smutku z powodu śmierci Martina składa wszystkim bliskim
Jacek z Rodziną z Polski.
I am so saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. To say that he was a great planner and co-worker, is not said enough. He was a wonderful person and accepted the jokes we put him through in the office with great fun. I will never forget when we moved his office while on vacation and he came back to find himself in the worst space – he was not happy and our joke worked well. Until he started wanting his computer and phone moved – but it was all in good fun. Martin will be missed as a good friend/father and great planner.
Dear Beth, Julia, and Amy,
My deepest sympathy goes out to each of you. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how deeply Martin was admired and appreciated by those of us who were lucky enough to work with him. He made a lasting impact, not only through his planning work but through the kindness he showed everyone he met. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. He leaves an incredible legacy through each of you.
Carley
I met Martin when I started working at Parkland County in 2015. His friendly presence helped me feel more comfortable as a newbie in the office, and he went on to be my mentor and sponsor for the professional planning designation. I was never nervous to knock on his door for help or a chat.
I also remember how he liked to have fun with his colleagues and how excited he was to go to conferences and reunite with his planning pals from school and Fort McMurray. He seemed to easily balance both being goofy and respected.
Martin would tell me about his fun weekend adventures with Beth, how they would go for long drives to discover new places nearby, clearly so happy together.
My last memory of working with Martin is how excited he was about his growing family – there were many unsolicited baby pics and impressions of “the stinker.” He was over the moon.
I am grateful to have gotten to work with him. He had a lot of heart and was not afraid to show it.
Martin was such a special person in this world. He had the kindest words, the quirkiest jokes, and an incredible talent for storytelling. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and want to send my heartfelt sympathies to Beth and his daughters. May he be reunited with Jeremy, and may his memories continue to live on. Thank you for being an amazing colleague, Martin.
Deeply saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. I had the great pleasure, albeit for a limited time, to work with Martin as a consultant during his time at Parkland County on a major planning policy project. He was always a positive influence, fully committed to the future of the municipality, and a inspirational leader for their planning staff. I always left my interactions with him full of energy and a bright view for the future. It’s a great loss to his family and our planning profession. Sincere condolences to Beth, Julia and Amy and the rest of his family and friends.
It was with shock and disbelief that I learned of Martin’s passing via the APPI online announcement of our collective loss. I had the privilege of sharing the Woodbuffalo planning workplace with Martin when our professional planning pathways intersected there. Martin always exuded an aura of personal professional positivity that enveloped everyone who was fortunate enough to share in his company.
After my departure, Martin subsequently played a vital role when Woodbuffalo held host to the annual provincial planning conference, and I was fortunate enough to attend and to further benefit from the time that we spent in conversation. Despite the extreme demands on his time that Martin faced as a conference organizer, he graciously spent time catching up on our professional and personal developments since we last met. Our connectivity since then was limited to the digital realm, and it was heartening to see Martin’s journey as a professional planner and as a family man continue to benefit from his energy and commitment. May Martin rest in peace knowing that he has left his mark in our lives. God bless.
Judy,Beth,Amy ,Julia,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Warm Hugs! ❤️
Judy’s curling buddies(Anita,Donna, Pat and Shirley. )
We have made a donation in memory of Martin to the MS society.
Beth, Julia and Amy, sending you my most heartfelt condolences to you. Martin was such a wonderful, kind and genuine man. He was so invested in part of his Italian heritage and culture and was thrilled to be part of it. May he rest well. Giving you hugs and love at this time. Keep his memory with you all the days to come.
Dear Beth, Julia, Amy, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that words can not express how sad we all are at this time. I hope that you can find some comfort in knowing the memories, laughters, and joy Martin brought us all. I had the blessing of working with Martin in Fort McMurray for 6 years. Over that time we were not only work colleagues but friends that carpooled and enjoyed our chats while heading into work, played golf and ball hockey, enjoyed hanging out on Friday nights and playing Nintendo (he always beat me in golf!), and even ran a 10k race together in Quebec City while attending a planning conference. We had lots of laughs and played plenty of fun jokes on each other. I reminiscence on those times and know that he left a lasting legacy of friendship. He will be dearly missed – my sincere condolences to you all. We have made a donation in memory of Martin to the MS society.
Beth, I am so sorry for this incredible loss for you and the girls. I never had the pleasure of meeting Martin, but based on what I’ve heard from you and learned in the last few weeks he was a truly incredible human, husband, father and planner. I am certain that the girls will reflect the curiosity and courage that he demonstrated and that they will continue to grow and be a light in and of themselves, and a reflection of his joy. May your continued memories of him bring you comfort and warmth.
Deepest condolences to Martin’s family. I will remember him for his irrepressible positivity and kindness—a smile was never far from his face or those around him. For many of us who moved from afar to Fort McMurray once upon a time, he made us feel welcome and at home. Rest in peace, Martin
I feel lucky to have met Martin—a kind man, a good man. Generous with his time, and always eager to help others. He was a pleasure and joy to work with at the RMWB. Always quick to smile. When I think of Martin, I can’t help but think of him saying “Fantastic!”. Everything was fantastic to Martin—because Martin had a fantastic attitude towards life.
I will miss him and keep his memory close. May his soul forever be at peace.
Beth, Julie, Amy, and family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Martin’s passing and for your incredible loss to your family. Martin was such a good man in every sense of the word. We feel so fortunate to have shared visits, laughs and conversations with you all and to understand just how kind and loving Martin was, and how much he loved you all. He had an incredible way of making everyone he talked to feel valued and listened to, while never being without a funny or inspirational story. His optimism was an inspiration to us all. He will be missed by so many. We know his love, kindness, and memories will be forever present, and we hope these can bring you all comfort in the times ahead. With so much love.
Jen and Dana
XOXO
Dear Julia, Amy —
I first met your dad when he was finishing his studies at university. His delight with life and adventure stood out immediately, a quality I have always cherished, every time our paths crossed.
When I first moved to Fort McMurray for work, your dad was the first person I hired. We had hard work to do, and your dad’s unwavering joy was such an important part of our team.
Your dad had a superpower: delight and radical optimism, even when feeling sad. Sometimes his superpower was on full power, other times more quiet when times were tough, but always there. I bet you have inherited this superpower too.
Dear Beth —
I so remember when you started working on our team in Fort McMurray and instantly recognizing the spark between two remarkably gentle, kind and wise souls: Martin and Beth. Later, my suspicions were confirmed when the odd email to you came to me by mistake!
I will carry with me, always, my memories of Martin, and the spring in his step and the delight-full ways he connected with the people around him. Especially you and your family.
My love to you, Beth, Julia and Amy as you navigate this unimaginable loss.
Beth
Dear Beth and girls, What a shock to hear of Martin’s passing. He was a delight to work with at Parkand County. He was a tribute to our profession and will be sadly missed. Lots of love to you. Linda Henrickson
My deepest sympathies to Martin’s entire family, especially Beth, Julia and Amy. I first met Martin in 2009 in Fort McMurray, and while we were only colleagues for a short time, he had such a meaningful impact on my life. Settling into a new home across the country was made easier entirely thanks to Martin. He gave me my first real place to live in Fort McMurray, and I was happy to call that apartment home. Martin took all of the stress and anxiety out of my relocation, and I soon realized that this was just the kind of person Martin was: kind beyond measure, and always thinking of others. During our time working together in the planning department, every moment involving Martin was infused with such great positivity, and so often filled with laughter. I will carry these memories of Martin with me always.
Chris Booth
Beth,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of your husband’s passing.
We will be praying for you and your girls in the coming days.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34 : 18
Martin was, and will always be a great friend and mentor. I met Martin when we worked at Parkland County. He was my mentor in regards to Long Range Planning and taught many things that I still use today my “To Do List” is one of them for projects. I remember the jokes we would play on each other (the frozen fish), his love of Beth, and his children. He always had a smile and cared about the people around him. I always remember the first Christmas with him as he introduced me to the “Dominic the Donkey” song; he had so much pleasure singing to us. I’ll miss him. I’m sure he will be with you Beth, and the children throughout all of your lives.