It's difficult to stand up here and talk about the man that raised my siblings and I like I'm never going to see him again. It's hard to have your world change over night and have this feeling that the earth could break. Death is as real as life can get and when it happens we want to hold on to that person as long as possible. In the days and hours since my father has passed I've lost my ability to express how I feel because I've been so focused on holding on to him.
I talked to a real good friend of mine Mario and it helped me understand my dads death a little easier. I explained to him that I will forever miss my dad physically. But my dad is no longer suffering from the sick reality called cancer. I told him I can feel my dad, I can see my dad everywhere. He is now ours eternally tied to all our tomorrow's and we will never let go. The fact that the celebration of ones man life can bring so many people together some strangers to others, just goes to show how many life's he impacted in some way. And today we are here to celebrate and share those moments with him one last time. Today we celebrate the life and love of Fidel Jose Martinez aka our pops, my moms honey and some of yours pain in the ass.
My father was one of the most unselfish men I've ever met in my life. His brothers and sister might disagree I heard he was quiet the trouble maker growing up. He loved his brothers and sisters so much he was always making time to see them or call them. No matter the situation he would bend over backwards for any of his siblings or friends. Family always came first and he instilled that in all his kids. He always provided for his family no matter how hard the work was nor how far away. His love was unconditional and incomparable. Family to my father was much deeper than just blood. Once you met him you were considered family no doubt about it.
He built his home to harbor love and happiness and he would never let anything more take place in his house. Just like grandma's house used to be. He opened his doors to strangers and made them feel like family. From countless birthdays to fight night with uncle Abe my dads home was host to many occasions.
My dad loved to be in his prized possession back yard and having endless corona drinking contests with uncle Ed and uncle rick. He always had some project in the works and when the guys got together they'd all be chippin in to help My dad finish it up. He loved giving people are hard time and being the jokester we all knew him to be. Right uncle bud you old billy goat. Renee knows to because he always wanted to pitch a tent in the backyard so she had a place to sleep instead of in the house. ;) he recently asked me if I wanted to perform cpr on a water snake I thought was dead in his backyard because he felt I was to concerned. He loved to tease and make you laugh or smile. That's one quality none of us will ever forget.
My dad was also a hard worker. I have countless memories of my dad sharing work stories with us at the table. I would always tell myself I hope one day I love my job as much my dad loved his. My dad took pride in the companies he worked for and the jobs he helped complete. He took me to his job a few times and it was actually at his job he taught me about hard work and dedication.
He explained that if I wanted something in life I needed to work hard for it. No one was gonna just give it to you, you had to earn it. I couldn't join my dad for a few days the beginning of this month due to work. My dad said anything that helps my future is just as important as being there with him. He was proud I stuck it out and I even heard he bragged a little. But that's what he raised us to take pride in, is our work. And to always be proud of where we were in life no matter how embarrassing the struggle.
Today my father leaves us proud and honored to call us family as we are all proud to be here to celebrate his life. He is proud of all his children and all his grandchildren. He will always be with us no matter how hard or unbearable the challenge. Every football game and every milestone he is by your side cheering us on. He would never want us to give up just like he didn't give up til the day he took his final breathe. He fought a long hard battle and at the end of the day won.
He gained eternal life in the paradise called heaven. He is free from pain and the healthiest he has ever been. I can see him right now with corona in one hand holding up cheers to loving us all. He is saving us all a spot on the dance floor. My mom was his saving grace and now he is her constellation.
To my mom I cannot begin to imagine what you've gone through these past months. To go from being taken care of to taking care of your love. You did all you could to make him comfortable and to keep him by your side. From the vodka filled nights in high school to the peaceful nights in your home once all your kids were out of your hair you never left his side. I want you to know that he is always with you and we will keep our promise to him that you will be taken care of. It doesn't matter the situation we have your back and so does he. It will take time to adjust and heal but your one of the strongest women I know. Let me see them muscles! I love you and each and every one of you in this room. I'm blessed and honored to speak on my family behalf. Thank you all and God bless.
62, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2015 in Thornton, Colorado. He is survived by his loving family; his wife of 42 years, Deena M. Martinez, son Jerad (Christina) Martinez, daughter Jessica (Gabriel) Bing, son Matthew Martinez, son Kevin Martinez, sisters; Beatrice Cummings, Betty (Mike) Lunstra, and Katie Rivera, brothers; Ruben Salas, Joe (Deborah) Salas, Ray (Bernadette) Salas, Robert (Cathy) Martinez, Benito (Debra) Martinez, and Pete (Pat) Martinez, also nine grandchildren; Darrien Bing, Deion Bing, Kaiyah Bing, Edward (Amber) Gonzales, Lorenzo Gonzales, Lauren Martinez, Davian Martinez, Amalia Martinez, and Elena Martinez. Fidel was preceded in death by his parents, Benito and Mary Martinez, and a brother, Ruben Martinez.
Visitation Sunday, August 30, 2015, 12-4pm at Olinger Highland Chapel, 10201 Grant St., Thornton, Colorado. Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Sunday, August 30th at 6:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 9371 Wigham St., Thornton, Colorado 80229.
Mass of Catholic Burial, Monday, August 31, 2015, 1pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Thornton, Colorado. Interment to follow at Olinger Highland Cemetery in Thornton.
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