Anthony Vega Martin

Anthony Vega Martin, age 95, of Hemet, CA., passed away on Monday, January 13, 2014. Anthony was born in General Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Born on July 4, 1918, Anthony was one of twelve children of Matias and Maria de Jesus Vega (Martinez). When Anthony was 2 years old, his family moved to the United States and settled in East Chicago, Indiana.

Anthony married his wife of 66 years, Ruth Marie Moore of York, PA, in 1943. Because of a childhood accident resulting in the loss of most of his left hand, Anthony could not serve in the armed forces during W.W.II. He did serve his country working as a welder (as did Ruth, a true Rosie the Riveter) in the Kaiser Naval Shipyards in Portland, Oregon. After the war Anthony and Ruth moved to Pennsylvania and then to East Chicago, Indiana, where Anthony worked in the Buffington Cement Factory. Encouraged by his brother Manuel, Anthony began college, taking classes at night. After six years, Anthony earned his Bachelor's Degree at Indiana University and then changed occupations, becoming a teacher. Anthony would continue his education, earning a Master's Degree, and in 1965 studying Spanish language and literature for a full year on scholarship at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. In reflective moments, Anthony would quote his favorite Spanish writer, Pedro Calderon de la Barca: "La vida es sueno, y los suenos, suenos son," (Life is a dream, and dreams themselves are but dreams). Anthony was active in the Modern Language Association and was a contributor to new approaches in teaching foreign languages during the 1960's and 1970's. In 1957, Anthony and Ruth moved their family to Pomona, CA., where Anthony taught English and Spanish at Pomona H.S. for twenty years. After Anthony retired, he and Ruth lived in Upland before moving to their beloved Hemet 24 years ago. Anthony was a student of languages, being fluent in (in addition to English) Spanish, and having a good command of Italian, French, and Portuguese, He also studied German, Russian, and Japanese. Despite his handicap, Anthony won national and international weightlifting championships in the 123 and 132 lb. classes (the three Olympic lifts), competing for twenty years (winning the California state championship in the 132 lb. class in 1958 at the age of 40). Anthony was an avid gardener and, later in life, a HAM radio enthusiast which resulted in several great friendships in the Hemet and Mt. San Jacinto area (Anthony's ID was N6SHZ). For several years, Anthony and Ruth traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico before moving to Hemet. They met many people and saw many great sites in their adventurous travels. Anthony was predeceased by his beloved Ruthie in 2009. He is survived by his three children: Michael P. Martin (Linda) of Murrieta, CA.; Lawrence V. Martin of Royal City, WA.; Brenda D. Dumas (William) of Panama City Beach, FL.; sister Marie Rico, sister Aurora Vega, and brother Reverend Raymond Vega; four grandchildren, and one great grandchild; and many nephews and nieces. Anthony was a kind and loving husband and father, and while his family is saddened by his passing, they are appreciative that both he and Ruth had long, happy, and healthy lives.

Inurnment will be private at a later date.

The family asks that anyone wishing to do so, make a donation to their preferred charity in memory of Anthony and Ruth Martin.

Arrangements are being handled by Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory - Hemet, 1501 West Florida Ave., Hemet, CA.