Mar 16, 2009 - 02:01 PM

By Brad Kelly

WHITBY -- Bob Martin is remembering his son as someone who absolutely loved the lifestyle associated with being a professional wrestler, but knew it was taking a toll on his body.

Martin spoke briefly by phone on Monday after learning his son, Andrew, had been found dead on Friday at his Florida apartment.

The Whitby native and graduate of Henry Street High School was known worldwide by his ring persona 'Test', a short form for Testosterone because of his aggressive style in the ring. He was just 33 years old.

"He always said, 'Dad, I will never live as long as you'," said the elder Martin, who was trying to fight back the emotions of the past few days along with his wife, Margaret.

A statement from the Tampa Police Department says a neighbour called Friday evening to report she could see into Martin's apartment through a window, and that Martin appeared motionless for several hours. Police responded at about 8 p.m. to Martin's apartment to discover he was dead. At this time, there is no indication of foul play. An autopsy is expected to reveal the cause of death.

Martin had just returned from a tour of Japan, and was planning to leave on another earlier this week to Europe. He would have turned 34 on Tuesday.

Martin was a former champion with World Wrestling Entertainment after debuting with the organization in 1998. Along the way he wore the belts of Intercontinental, Hardcore, European and tag team champion.

"He just loved the lifestyle, but he knew it was taking its toll on him," said his dad of the hectic schedule performers keep and the physical punishment their bodies are put through on a nightly basis.

A chance meeting with Bret 'The Hitman' Hart at a party following a wrestling show in Toronto helped launch Martin's career in pro wrestling.

Although he travelled the world, he always remembered where he roots were.

"Whenever I'm asked where my favourite place in the world is I always say Oshawa," said Martin during a 2003 interview with This Week. "I love to come back home because it's the greatest place in the world. It's where all my friends and family are."

He was promoting a show at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium at the time that he would headline in a match against Scott 'Big Poppa Pump' Steiner, noting he had attended a number of shows at the arena with his dad while growing up, but he had never wrestled in his hometown.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church in Whitby at a later date.