On Friday, April 30, 2021, our beloved Patriarch, Hector F. Martin, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving family. He enjoyed a long, fulfilling, and happy life.
Hector was born on February 27, 1927 in Balala, Culion, Philippines. He was the second of seven children born to Julio and Natividad (Flores) Martin. His keen interest in aviation and airplanes led him to become a Lieutenant in the Philippine Air Force. A momentous event occurred in February 1952 when Hector married the love of his life, Lucy Pickell. Their amazing and beautiful love story endured for seven decades. Together they raised six daughters, Mary-Denise (Michael Kohl), Mary Lou (Ron Strong), Mary Ann (Joe Ramirez), Tia (Dodd Portman), Gerry (Dan Rice) and Cathy (Jason Portman). In 1955 Hector and Lucy immigrated with their children to the United States in pursuit of the ‘American Dream’. Hector was a resident of Santa Clara, CA for sixty years. Hector worked in San Francisco at the “friendly skies” of United Airlines for 38 years as an aircraft mechanic and later as a crew foreman. Hector and his family enjoyed a variety of fun travel adventures in the States and abroad.
Hector was multi-talented and creative. He played the piano by ear beautifully from classical pieces to pop tunes. Music was the backdrop that filled the home. He was a great sketch artist and enjoyed woodworking projects. He was fond of photography and documented his family’s lives in a vast collection of film, slides, and home movies. Hector had a great sense of style. He was a true original in looking cool and dapper.
Hector was a humble and quiet man. He had a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye that let you know he was happy and excited to see you.
Hector will be most remembered by the love and generosity he lavished on others. His kindness was immense! He quietly shared his time, talents, and wealth to assist others. He was the first to offer help; no task was ever too big or too small. He regularly tinkered in his garage where it was a common sight to find him tuning up or repairing a relative or friend’s vehicle. He could install anything and was ingenious to find solutions for needed repairs! He enjoyed showering people with thoughtful gifts. His goodness and love touched many lives.
Hector’s greatest passion was the love for his family, the cornerstone of his life. Like the legendary Trojan hero, Hector, whose name represents “anchor and devotion”, Hector was his family’s hero. He was the ultimate pillar of love and support. He devoted his life to the care and well-being of his family. He was a modest man and an extraordinary Dad. He provided a happy home and created a wonderful life for he and his family. Hector was an exceptional role model who taught others how to be kind, how to work hard, and how to selflessly help others. Hector was a remarkable “Papa” to 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his family, his source of immense JOY!
Hector will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. His spirit and love are forever imprinted on the hearts of those he touched. His legacy and integrity live on in his wife, daughters, children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
A private Celebration of Life will be held for the immediate family only due to Covid restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley, A Division of Sutter Care at Home, or the Dementia Society of America.
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