Meet Mr. Martin – Aka Paper Man

Mr. Peter Emmanuel Martin, better known in the community as “Paper Man”, sold newspapers every day through the villages from La Jalousie to Anna Catherina, and on some Saturdays, he reached the Leonora Market.

At the time of our 2016 interview, he had been in this job for 17 years, and it was something he enjoyed very much – it was his livelihood. He knew his customers very well and their reading preferences. He was even familiar with the children in the villages. Mr. Martin, with his resounding voice shouting “Paaaapers”, could be heard as far as a few streets away. His primary form of transportation for peddling his business is his faithful bicycle.

On April 26, 2025, we received word that he had passed away, leaving a legacy of consistent community service for over 26 years.  Thank you, Mr. Martin, for all the years you brought us the news.

As a tribute to your legacy, we would like to leave this poem in your memory:

“Paaaapers…..”

The news arrives, a somber sheet,
No longer carried down the street.
Our “Paper Man,” his voice now still,
No echoing call from hill to hill.

From La Jalousie’s gentle bend,
To Anna Catherina’s end,
For years his faithful bicycle flew,
Delivering stories, fresh and new.

Twenty six years, you told us then,
A love for work, for fellow men.
You knew each reader, young and old,
Their favoured tales, the stories told.

On Saturdays, to Leonora’s hum,
Your presence marked, you always come.
“Paaaapers!” the cry that knew no bounds,
A familiar, comforting of sounds.

Through twenty-six long years you rode,
A vital link along the road.
The daily news within your hand,
Connecting all across the land.

Now silence falls where once you called,
A chapter closed, a spirit hauled
Beyond the reach of morning light,
Leaving a void in our village sight.

Thank you, Mr. Martin, kind and true,
For all the papers brought by you.
Your legacy, a service done,
The memory of our “Paper Man” lives on.

_______________

Last Updated: April 26th 2025.