Richard Martinez

Richard Louis Martinez, age 73, born on December 6, 1946 in Long Beach, California and life long resident of Albuquerque, passed away on October 18, 2020. Richard is survived by his mother, Clara Martinez; children, Stephen Martinez and wife Ibeth, Andres Martinez and wife Riann, Rebecca Lopez and husband Joseph; grandchildren Dante, Demetrio, Damian, Delilah, Alexander, Jonah, Sophia, and Manuel; brother Danny Martinez and wife Renee; sister-in-law Ernestine Tafoya; nieces Julie Chance, Andrea Gomez-Donart and husband Nathan, Meghan Martinez and husband Colbran Starzynski; nephew Ryan Martinez; aunt Gloria Sena; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Gloria Martinez, his second wife Elizabeth Hall, and his father Richard S. Martinez.

Dad, Rick, Ricky, Uncle Rick, Grandpa Rick, Friend: Your selfless spirit will live on through your family and friends and through those who receive your last gift to the world. Thank you for your kindness. Although we did not need to say the actual words often, we know your love for us and our love for you is eternal.

After graduating from New Mexico State University, Rick became a member of the Air National Guard. He went on to have a long career as an Electrical Engineer at PNM. Following retirement, he had several more 'careers' including stocking the shelves at Manuel's Food Market, his family store, handyman, and teaching. Even after retirement, Rick had a passion for power generation and electrical distribution systems, teaching classes for PNM, giving tours of the local power plant, and taking pictures of power lines on every vacation he took.

He loved wood carving, telling and repeating corny jokes, running, skiing, walking, hiking, teaching, drawing, and helping others. He was committed to taking care of his mother, Clara Martinez, spending time with her daily and taking her and his aunt Gloria shopping and to lunch every Sunday.

Rick was a proponent of life-long learning, and encouraged everyone, especially his children, nieces, and nephews, to "get a good education". He loved to ski, and would take his children and grandchildren for ski lessons and a day on the slopes each winter. Rick's love of wood carving spurred his continued learning of the medium, and in more recent years he became a respected Santero.

Rick was active in the community, most recently serving as President of the Citizens Information Committee of Martinez town. He was involved with a wood carving group, and would participate in carving demonstrations during the NM State Fair. Rick was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone at a moment's notice, whether it be household repairs, neighborhood cleanup or watching grandchildren.

Rick passed away unexpectedly, and his death was not COVID related. In keeping with his generous and giving spirit, Rick made the decision to donate his organs and tissues so that others may live.

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a small private service for family only.  For everyone else there will also be a live virtual presentation of the service Friday Nov 6, beginning at 9:00am at this link:

https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160408740183579