Prison chaplain lived his faith in the ‘field hospital'
Obituaries
Martyn Paxton - Born July 3 1957, Died August 7 2025<br />
Martyn Paxton was a man who lived with quiet humility, never making a fuss, but whose kindness, humanity and faith touched everyone he met.
Martyn was a unique person – gentle, thoughtful, and generous in ways that left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Martyn was born in Brighton, England, the first son of Ron and Brenda Paxton. In 1967, he and his family – his mum, dad, nanny, brother Jon and sister Kate – began a new chapter in Australia, settling in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs.
Not long after, his sister Louise was born. From his school days at Para Vista Primary and Modbury High, through his studies at university in Melbourne, Martyn showed a gift for learning that never left him. A perpetual learner, he collected degrees, read voraciously and kept up with world affairs and ideas until his last days.
His career was wide-ranging, from working in museums in Victoria and South Australia to policy advising, research, charitable work and finally chaplaincy.
Martyn’s true vocation was not in titles or positions, but in service. He volunteered selflessly with countless organisations, with refugees, the homeless and in chaplaincy with those in prison. Martyn initially began his prison ministry at the Remand Centre in 2009, later serving as coordinating chaplain.
In 2015, on the Feast of the Assumption, he professed his perpetual vows as a Brother. This month, he would have commemorated the 10th anniversary of final vows.
In 2019, he developed the New Ways Initiative, supporting men released from prison by making sure they had shelter, food and dignity. He often rode long distances on his bicycle with his oversized backpack to meet people in need. He attended parole board hearings, visited prisons, provided supplies and became a household name for many men navigating life after prison.
His ministry extended into the Cathedral parish, where he facilitated the Scripture Study program, volunteered in many roles, and ran the English as a Second Language (ESL) program for new migrants and refugees. Before this, he worked with the Adelaide Diocesan AIDS Council, supporting people in their homes with warmth and humanity.
He often quoted Pope Francis’ teaching of the Church being the ‘field hospital’ and a ‘Church that finds new roads’.
For Martyn, family always came first. He loved his siblings and his nieces and nephews: Shane, Kristy, Erin, Jess, Mel, Hannah, James and Sam. When Shane was critically ill, Martyn gave up his job in Darwin and returned to Adelaide, visiting him regularly in hospital.
He cared for his mother in her final days and he was a constant advocate and support for his sister Kate. He also valued his relationship with his brother-in-law Steven and sister-in-law Toni.
Martyn delighted in the simple things: family lunches, exploring new foods, giving back to others. His home was lined floor-to-ceiling with books and he was happiest when reading, watching a film or discovering something new on YouTube.
At the heart of Martyn’s life was his Catholic faith. He lived it daily, not just in words but in action, embodying Christ’s love through service.
Taken from the eulogy by Martyn’s sister Louise Lenigas
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