Martin Withenshaw (Fluter)
Died: November 17, 2025 | Place: Residence
Services
Memorial Service
Friday, November 21, 2025
1:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Obituary
WITHENSHAW (Fluter), Martin…
Martin Withenshaw passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on Monday, November 17, 2025 in his 72nd year. Beloved husband of Tom Stockdale. Also survived by his father George (Nadia). Dear brother of Julie Davey and her husband Craig, Wendy Phillips and her husband Lance and Lois Hathaway and her husband Jim. Marty will also be dearly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews and the Stockdale family. Predeceased by his mother Mary.
London Mourns the Loss of a True Community Champion: Martin Withenshaw. A bright light has gone out in London’s community. Martin Withenshaw’s influence on this city is undeniable. Whether you knew him personally or not, chances are you’ve felt the ripple effects of his passion – through his businesses, his advocacy, or the many community causes he championed. London is a stronger, more inclusive city because of Martin’s relentless commitment to doing good. Martin made his mark in many ways – from his work in the restaurant industry to owning the beloved Withenshaw’s Cheese Shop. But perhaps his most lasting legacy is his fearless advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. When Martin arrived in London over 40 years ago, this was not a city known for is inclusivity. But he set out to change that – and he did. Through his leadership with Gay Pride London, where he eventually served as President, and as a founding member of the Rainbow Optimist Club – the first LGBTQ+ Optimist Club in the world – Martin pushed the boundaries of what was possible. In 2019, he was honoured as the London Pride Grand Marshal, a recognition that meant so much to him and to the community he helped uplift. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Martin was colourful, bold, and sometimes controversial – but always driven by a vision of justice, belonging, and love. His efforts were recognized with numerous accolades, including the London Chamber of Commerce President’s Award, the Small Business Achievement Award, and the Red Carpet Gala Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and more. Martin’s life was the proof that it’s not always easy to create change – but with courage, conviction, and heart, it is possible. He showed us that one person truly can make a difference. He will be deeply missed – and forever remembered by the countless lives he touched, and the better, more compassionate city he helped build.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to honour Martin will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations in his memory may be made to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Dearest Tom, I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. May you find sweet solace in the many years of cherished memories that the two of you created together. Much love to you.
This obituary for Martin truly captures his hard work and big impact. He also took care that old timers were not forgotten. He has such an honourable legacy. Sincere condolences to Tom and Martin’s family
Condolences to Tom, his family, and the Withenshaw family on this great loss. For all of his advocacy with Pride London Festival, and the Rainbow Optimist Club. Many exciting drag queen storytimes and activities have happened at various locations of the Middlesex County Library where I am employed at the Headquarters. Rest well Marty, as you glide along all those rainbows far above the clouds !!!
What a sad loss for our community. My deepest condolences to Marty’s husband, family and friends. My path crossed with Marty’s so many times in years past and he was always a true gentleman and a friend. I can still hear his laugh. Rest in peace Marty. You lived and fought well. You’ll be missed.
Sending my Condolences to Tom and family. So sorry to hear about Marty.. You will be in my thought. Big hug from me.
Our sympathy to you.
Craig and Brenda Anderson
Tom and family, my heart felt condolences to you on the passing of Marty. His light shines on, and he will be truly missed. He made an impact and left a legacy that we all benefit from.
My first meeting with Marty was through purchasing cheese and making the infamous cheese fondue recipe that he gave me.
Two years ago I shared the story with him and you at Thanksgiving dinner and how much my family enjoyed making that recipe around Christmas time each and every year. Now my children and their families are creating new memories with that recipe!
Martin was truly a powerful and tenacious force for good! I was lucky enough to work with him in a group dedicated to bringing Drag Storytimes to libraries in Southwestern Ontario. Truly he did all the heavy lifting! And with such warmth and humour. He’ll be missed. My condolences to all his family.
So sorry for your loss dear Tom & Family and Withenshaw family. Martin was a great advocate for the LGBT community, Rainbow Optimist Club and Pride London. He has taught us all that education never stops, to have Pride in all you do. He would be there to cheer you on and to never stop helping wherever possible. May He rest in peace. Tom you were a great partner and there by his side until the end. (((HUGS))) Blessings to all
Marty gave us the kickstart we needed to celebrate queer culture in our beautiful rural community. He was instrumental in getting the right people together and set the right foundation for us to flourish. We will always remember you fondly Marty – your friends from Strathroy Pride.
Martin was one of the true London Chamber of Commerce champions. He volunteered for everything and was a real asset to our committee work. Never shy about sharing his opinions, he always did so with the greatest respect for others and always with that famous Martin sense of humour. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. His efforts and his generosity will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Tom and the rest of Marty’s family. May the kindness and support he gave to others throughout his life be a comfort to all at this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to Tom on the loss of an amazing husband. Marty was an absolute pleasure to work with on many fundraisers for the community and all our years at H.A.L.O.. He was so encouraging when I ran the Pride Parade and we both sat on the Committee. He was also instrumental on celebrating the burning of the Mortgage at H.A.L.O. after creating the HUGG (Help us Grow Group). It was an incredible fundraiser.
Although in the later years after H.A.L.O. closed we never saw much of each other but we always had a smile for each other. You will be missed every day.
It is with sadness I learn of Martin’s passing. I first met Martin when I became a vendor of all things pride at the parade in downtown London many years ago. He thought of me and asked me to be the keynote speaker at Fanshawe College’s evening to honour co-op employers as I am the first female Tool & Die Maker in Canada (now retired) and Martin thought I might be able to share a perspective of when I first entered the trade. Each time I spoke with Martin, I felt as though I was interacting with a kindred spirit and a brother by another mother. He is a beautiful soul! My sincere condolences go out to his beloved Tom, family and friends. I know all of our lives have been made better for knowing Martin.
My deepest sympathy to Tom and all of the extended family especially to George and the entire Fluter clan. Marty was such an inspiration to all those that were fortuante to meet him. I had many a good chat with Marty who was always sincere, genuine and funny. He was very supportive to many in our community and has left a legacy of goodwill and good work that will be difficult to match.
May Marty rest in peace and thanks Marty for all the kindness , goodwill and community engagement.
Gerry Slattery
Friend of the family
Martin was a familiar and friendly face around planning tables in the employment sector. He offered practical advice, insight and a strong vision. I enjoyed working with him immensely. He’ll be missed by many.
Dear Tom and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Martin was so special and such a force in our community. I sat here this afternoon thinking of him and smiling because he had to give me the button machine! He knew how much I loved making the buttons with the youth and he made sure that I received it. We will miss him. Sending hugs and prayers.
Becky &Kristie Thompson
So sorry for your loss Tom and Martin’s family. Martin brought laughter and levity to our long years serving the London West Liberal Association. We remember him fondly.
Martin was an incredible personality who always worked to bring out the best in others. In addition to his work with Pride London, he spent many years with the Workforce Planning and Development Board helping the secondary school system help students connect with their future careers. He was devoted to his work with the WPDB, and his volunteer work with Pride, and the community is better for having Martin as an active member. The Board of Directors of the WPDB extends condolences to Tom, his family and the Withenshaw family. Those of us who were privileged to know Martin are the better for it. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Tom , Mr. Withenshaw and Family Members: What a great loss for you. I am so very very sorry. And how sad for the London community. I was very fortunate to have met Marty back in 1998 , when he worked with us on Orchestra London’s “ Interiors “ fundraiser . He headed up our hospitality centre during the three week event and then again the following year. We had such great fun – who can forget his fabulous laugh!!!! I was just reminiscing about this special time the other day, and was so very saddened to learn of his passing last night. Over the following years, we worked on other events together ; he was so committed to everything he was involved in. Stopping in at Withenshaw’s for his tourtières just before Christmas became a lovely tradition for me . I will be reaching for Marty’s cookbook, “ Oral Fixations” next week , when I will be making my own tourtières . His recipe is THE BEST! In true Martin Withenshaw style, this project of his benefitted the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex . He was always so giving. I was very honoured to know Martin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers..
Martin’s energy, creativity, and unwavering authenticity made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a trendsetter, a builder of community, and a bright spark whose presence helped shape queer spaces into places of joy, safety, and unapologetic expression.
At Wortley Pride, we honour the countless ways Martin showed up for others—through kindness, humour, and a fierce belief in living boldly and beautifully. His legacy will continue to ripple through our community in every life he touched.
To Martin’s family, friends, and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences. We hold you in our hearts during this time of grief, and we stand with you in remembering a life that will never be forgotten.
May his memory be a blessing, and may we continue to celebrate the light he brought into our world.
With love and solidarity,
Wortley Pride
Aw, Marty. Sorry to see this notice Tom, heartfelt condolences to you and family.
Marty was one of a kind, so passionate about food & hospitality, and doing for others, and man, was he fun!
I have some lovely memories of when I was lucky enough to spend time with him.
The crayon box has lost a special color….
I worked for several years with Martin on the board of the Ability First Coalition, helping to create job opportunities for people with disabilities – one of many ways Martin supported and drove positive change in our community. He had an incredible ability to connect people, find resources and just make things happen. He had boundless energy and such a wonderful sense of humour. Martin will be missed by so many. My sincere condolences to Tom and family.
I am so sorry for your loss Tom sending my deepest condolences and prayers
We extend our sincere condolences to Tom and Martin’s family. Martin was a valued member of the Workforce Planning & Development Board for over 15 years. Martin’s dedication and compassion brought great positivity to our organization. He contributed to many key projects, including Passport to Prosperity, SLOME, Oxford Robotics Challenge, and the Apprenticeship Network. Martin was also a strong supporter of PRIDE initiatives with the support of staff and the Board. Martin’s impact will be remembered with gratitude.
Martin was a gift to all Londoners and everyone far and wide who knew him. He showed us the best humanity has to offer. Tom, I share your grief, and celebrate the many ways Martin inspired me.