Orlando Martinez

Orlando was born to the proud parents of Blas and Katherine Martinez in Trinidad, CO on March 15, 1942. He has 2 brothers: Edward Martinez and Ernest Martinez. Orlando lived in Denver, CO most of his life going to Sacred Heart Catholic School from the first grade to the eighth, then to Cole Junior High School for ninth grade and then went to North High School where he graduated. He went to college for four years and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business. While there he won various awards. He was MVP and selected to play on Colorado's State team. He was very proud of his accomplishments. In 1963 through 1964, Orlando was the band manager for "The Star Lites." He successfully booked numerous gigs for them to play all over Colorado. He loved music and being a part of it was a great achievement for him. In 1964, he met a girl named Joann Vasquez. They dated for a brief amount of time. They decided they were in love and wanted to share their lives together forever. On November 20th, 1965, Orlando and Joann made it official; they were joined in marriage...Joann became his beautiful wife. They went on to have 5 children: Denny, Sandra, Orlanda, Chris, Gerald and 5 wonderful grandchildren. He really enjoyed his family and loved them very much. His family kept him busy with various school events and family activities. Orlando, lived life to the fullest and enjoyed the many things life had to offer him. Anywhere he went he always had a smile on his face and made new friends, no matter where he was. Anyone who crossed his path took a liking to him, he was so likable and funny! He was a happy go lucky person, always able to make light of any situation. He gave of himself unselfishly and always helped others. One or Orlando's favorite sayings was he was the cutest one in the family. Jokingly he would call a lot of people "Fayo or Faya," he would say it meant "very good friend." He loved to gamble, especially when he won! He was a true Bronco fan and loved his Broncos regardless if they won or lost. He used to say that Josh McDaniels would call him for the coming week's game plan. Now Josh McDaniels will have to make his own game plans. I'm sure Orlando will be watching and rooting for them in Heaven. His life was taken early due to illness. Maybe, God thought it was time for him to suffer no more, so he took him in his arms to be in Heaven with his mother, father and all the family and friends we've lost over the years. Four days prior to his passing, he had and insulin attack, which left him tired and wasn't coherent. After awakening he told his wife, Joann, he had seen a beautiful whit light; it made him feel very much at peace. As he looked down, he saw a yellow light; he heard a voice...it said to him, "It wasn't his time to go, not yet." Joann said after having this discussion with Orlando, she knew he would not be afraid to die when his time came. His time came sooner than what we expected, his death was a peaceful one. We believe the Lord takes us when he is in need of our services in Heaven. Guess he needed someone to help make all his angels laugh and smile as Orlando did for all of us while he was here. Orlando will always be remembered by his wife Joann and his family and friends. We will always love you, Orlando.