Martin Ramirez Bazan, Jr.

Martin Bazan, Jr. died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at his home in Holbrook, Arizona following a sudden illness. He was 57 years old. Martin was born in Holbrook, Navajo County, Arizona on March 28, 1953 at the old Holbrook Hospital to the late Martin Bazan, Sr. and Della (Ramirez) Bazan. He graduated from Holbrook High School's Class of 1973. While still in high school, Martin began a job working for Babbitt's Lumber Yard and remained a loyal employee to the Babbitt Family for many years. Following his employment with them, Martin began along and dedicated career for the City of Holbrook in its Sanitation Department as a "Sanitation Engineer". He took pride in everything he undertook and no accomplishment was too small. He was affectionately known by everyone as "Tito, The Garbage Man". He loved his job so much and just about everybody in town knew who this lovable man was. Martin was a family man and had a great deal of love and respect for every member of his family. With his large family, much love was expressed and shown to all. "Tito, The Garbage Man" was able to retire from Holbrook's Sanitation Department in 2003 and he was able to enjoy his retirement years doting on his wife, daughter and granddaughters. On March 2, 2001, Martin Bazan, Jr. met and married his long-time sweetheart, Bernice Arlene (Ray) in Holbrook, Arizona. Just 3 weeks ago, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary together. How grateful Bernice is for these 10 short years she was able to share with him. It has been said of Tito that he was an "Outdoorsy Guy" and loved anything that took place outside. He especially enjoyed spending a cool afternoon in a pleasant game of golf. Other days, he looked forward to the peace and solace that fishing at his favorite fishing hole brought him. Martin even enjoyed the thrill of a competitive game of horseshoes as well and he was quite good at that sport. He is survived by: his wife, Bernice Arlene (Ray) Bazan of Holbrook, Arizona; 1 daughter, Andrea Bazan of Winslow, Arizona; his mother, Della Bazan of St. Johns, Arizona; 2 sisters: Bernadette (Bruce) Gebhart of DeSmet, South Dakota, Cynthia Bazan of St. Johns, Arizona; 1 brother, Phillip (Jan) Bazan of St. Johns, Arizona; 4 granddaughters: Whitley Bazan of Winslow, Arizona, Julia Garcia of Winslow, Arizona, Yssena Garcia of Winslow, Arizona, Cecelia Bazan of Winslow, Arizona; 3 step-children: Thena (James) Kennedy of Holbrook, Arizona, Leroy Simon of Winslow, Arizona, Lori Simon of Holbrook, Arizona; 10 step-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 2 uncles: Manuel (Viola) Ramirez of St. Johns, Arizona, Boney Ramirez of St. Johns, Arizona; 1 aunt, Rosie (Ramon) Morales of St. Johns, Arizona and several nieces and nephews. Along with his father, Martin Bazan, Sr., Martin "Tito" Jr., was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Michael Bazan in 1977 and Ruben Bazan in 1996; and by 1 sister, Delores Bazan in 2004. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin 9:00 A.M., Friday, April 1, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 212 E. Arizona in Holbrook, Arizona. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:00 A.M. at the church, where The Rev. Fr. Anthony Dike will celebrate the funeral mass. A private committal service and inurnment will be at the Holbrook Cemetery where Martin will be laid to rest with his brother, Michael.