RICHARD LIONEL MARTIN (JULY 26, 1951-MARCH 13, 2011)

He was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who established himself as one of the elite in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres franchise.  He was a third of the “French Connection” that consisted of Rene Robert and Gilbert Perrault. 

“The French Connection” is a staple in the Buffalo, New York sports circle.  Recently when Terrence Pegula took over ownership of the Buffalo Sabres franchise the French Connection came to support the blue, gold, silver and white.  Pegula was sincerely moved by the 3 people who make up the French Connection standing in honor of his devotion to the Sabres with the added bonus of the new ownership.  Martin's death came as a shock to the community as rick Martin has maintained his residency in Akron, New York and became a business man within the Buffalo, New York area. 

Martin owned Slapshot, a bar/restaurant in Niagara Falls, New York.  Rick and his wife became owners of Globalquest Solutions and Globalquest Staffing Solutions in Williamsville, New York.  He is survived by his wife Mikey and their two sons, Josh and Corey.  It becomes even harder to write obituaries when their roots stem from my hometown.  Then it only gets topped off when it is someone who I have looked up to with the utmost respect.  I remember my dad and I watching games on the weekend together, bonding through each and every win or lose.  Rest in peace.

RUSTY