Grandpa Golf will always have a special place in my heart. He was loving, accepting and fiercely protective of family. When Jackie was born you can see that little tender spot in his heart grow more and more. Along came Lauren and that spot grew even bigger. He would let them get away with things that others would have know not to even go there! He was always so patient with them. He listened so attentively to their stories and endless questions. Grandpa was such a good sport and would play along with Jackie and Lauren's  pranks with great pleasure!
One of my favorite memories is cracking cascarones at Easter. He would sit with great anticipation as the girls "snuck up" to crack an egg on his head. They each took several turns. It was Lauren's turn   for the last egg and she wanted to "get him good!"  She "snuck up" and slammed the egg on his head! Everyone's eyes were wide open! That last egg wasn't a cascarone. It was a hard boiled egg!! We held our breath until Grandpa said "Ouch, Mija! That hurt!" and broke out in laughter! 
You will be missed Grandpa!  Thanks for the many memories you created with us!  You deserve your Angel Wings. Please watch over us. Love you!

Grandpa Golf went to see Lauren perform with Project in Motion (Aerial Dance Company) at The Gin in Las Cruces.

Odette with Grandpa Golf the Summer of '24

Juliette and Odette with Papa (Grandpa Fernie) and Grandpa Golf (Great Grandpa Carlos)!

Grandpa Golf showing Juliette that he's tech savvy too!

Juliette and Odette* (Jackie's daughters) spending time with Grandpa Golf during a visit the Summer of '24

*Jackie (Fernie and Kathi's daughter)

My sincere condolences to the family of Carlos Mendoza.  I pray that our Good Lord gives each of you strength and grace during this difficult period.  May he rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.

Celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary

On January 1, 2025, I called to wish my Uncle Carlos a Happy New Year and asked if he might share some of his life stories with me. I was thrilled when he warmly accepted my request. Over the span of 4 months we spent many hours on the phone, talking, laughing, and remembering.   During our calls, I noticed my uncle increasingly struggling with a dry, persistent cough.  Despite this discomfort, he continued sharing stories with patience and grace.  By our final conversation in late April, he told me that his cough prevented him from sleeping in his bed, forcing him to rest at night in his recliner.

The stories my Uncle Carlos shared with me  were a precious gift.  He  was a man of remarkable character and determination. His life centered on family—working tirelessly to support his mother and siblings in his younger years, and later, taking care of my Aunt Carmen and his two sons Fernie and Chris. 

 He could have taught a master class on building relationships because he had an extraordinary gift for friendship; he made connections easily and maintained many friendships throughout his life.  My uncle listened with his heart, making everyone feel truly heard.

I know there are many more stories about him waiting to be shared by friends and family.   With each story we embrace his memory and honor a life beautifully lived.  I extend my condolences to all who knew and loved him.  May his stories live on.

In Loving Memory of My Dear Friend, Carlos Mendoza

It’s hard to put into words what a man like Carlos meant to me, but I’ll try—because he deserves that and so much more.
Carlos Mendoza was more than just a friend; he was my brother in every way that matters. For over 70 years, he stood by my side—through high school, through life, and on countless baseball fields and golf courses. From the moment we met as teenagers, playing American Legion ball and high school sports, a bond formed between us that never wavered. We laughed, competed, supported each other, and leaned on one another as the decades flew by.
I’ll never forget one day in our youth, during the years of segregation, when we were playing basketball at Douglas School. After the game, Carlos invited me to a going-away party for Peter Martinez, a well-known football star heading off to the Air Force. It was there that my life changed forever.
I saw a young lady serving refreshments and asked Carlos about her. With that familiar grin, he said, “Don’t even dream about her—that’s Peter’s sister. You don’t want to mess with her.” I looked at him and said, “Too late.” I asked Lina to dance. She said she didn’t know how. So, I taught her. We danced the rest of the night—and I danced with her for over 70 years of our marriage, all beginning with that one moment.
Thank you, Carlos, for that party. Thank you for that introduction. Thank you for helping me find the love of my life.
You were there at the beginning of so many chapters in my life—and now, as one comes to a close, I feel your absence deeply. I will miss your laugh on the golf course, your wisdom in quiet moments, and your unwavering loyalty. You were a man of quiet strength, of kindness, and of incredible heart.
Rest well, my dear friend. You’ll always be with me—in my memories, in my stories, and on every green I walk.
With love and eternal gratitude,
Philip Martinez Sr

OBITUARY

Carlos Mendoza

November 5, 1932 – May 4, 2025

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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