Gavin Martinez

Gavin Martinez died peacefully Thursday evening Sept. 14, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born June 16, 1929 in Holbrook. He lived 88 years and had a very interesting life. Gavin was one of millions of U.S. men and women who were proud to serve their county in WWII. He was 15 when he enlisted in the army. He sent all his Army pay home to help his parents, two brother and four sisters. PFC Gavin Martinez fought in the U.S. Army and landed off Omaha Beach on the third wave of the invasion. He also stood guard at the trials of Nuremberg. Discharged in 1948, he returned to Holbrook where he met Sally Gallegos and married her. He and Sally were married for 35 years and had six children. Gavin Jr. (Buster) Eileen (died of pneumonia) another Eileen, Marlene, Rick (Roberta) and David (Debbie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Alicia Martinez, wife Sally, daughter Eileen, son Rick. He is the last of his siblings. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Over the years Gavin has worked in the Maverick Logging Camp, for both the Arizona Republic and Holbrook Tribune for 24 years as a typesetter and linotype operator respectively and for the Arizona Department of Transportation for 18 years,, after he retired he opened Gavinos Restaurant in Show Low. He has divided his life between family, work and volunteering. He volunteered at The Love Kitchen for four years, and is a member of both the American Legion, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and the Cooties and proud member Veterans of Foreign Wars where he served as an honor guard. He was American Legion commander in Holbrook in 1948. Two services will be held: the first a memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday Sept 22, at the VFW in Show Low. Reception to follow at the club. A Christian graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept 23,  officiated by Deacon Mike Asherfelder at the Holbrook Cemetery, with a reception at the American Legion Hall after service. (Holy mass will be at a later date.) “We would like at this time to offer our undying gratitude to Hospice Compasses 1789 W Commerce Lakeside. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Hospice at the above address. Thank you Kevin and all the team we can never thank you enough."