Frank V. Martinez
Frank V. Martínez, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed on to eternal life on May 9th 2014. Frank died peacefully at his home in Bothell, surrounded by his family and friends. Frank was born in Taos, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloy and Onofre Martínez; sisters, Vangie Martínez and Tina Arguello. Frank is survived by Esther, his devoted wife of 45 years; daughter, Clarisa Becker and husband, Gary; and son, Frank D. Martínez; granddaughters, Olivia and Maya Roberts; sisters, Carlotta (Martín) Fischer, Carlyda Stribling, Cathy Wolfe; brother, Eloy (Martha) Martínez; many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He was the former Executive Director of the Valley Migrant League in Oregon, which served migrant and seasonal farm workers with education, health services, housing, and employment opportunities. Frank organized the first “Poor People’s Conference” in the early 1970’s and helped many people throughout his lifetime as an avid community organizer. Frank retired as a Deputy Director from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights in 1999. He felt his last year in government was especially gratifying, working on a Drug Prevention Program, lecturing at schools throughout the state.
He enjoyed gardening, reading poetry, philosophy and Spanish literature. He was a good athlete and excelled at playing tennis. Frank loved spending time with his family and friends; especially sharing his prized book of poems written by his adoring granddaughters. Special Thanks to Tricia Reynolds, from Boise, Idaho, who came to help care for Frank during his last days. The family also wishes to acknowledge Stephanie & Matt Roberts, Bill & Leah Collins, Nan Stultz, Group Health Hospice staff, all family, friends and neighbors who have supported us in so many heartfelt and generous ways. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31st 2014 at St. Brendan’s Catholic Parish. (10100 NE 192nd St. Bothell, WA 98011)
16 Responses to “Frank V. Martinez”
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I have such great memories of my Uncle Frank! Probably my favorite was his direction to enjoy “good” wine while I was living in Spain and to purchase great Spanish literature! I did as directed. I will miss his gentle spirit and his love of life and gardening. May he rest in peace in our Heavenly Father’s arms.
Aunt Esther, Clarisa and Frankie, May Our Lady of Sorrows surround you with her blessings during this difficult time. We loved Uncle Frank with all our hearts and enjoyed every conversation we had with him. We are sorry we cannot be there for his funeral mass but know you are all in our hearts and prayers. Con mucho amor y carino, Ellie, Chris, Georgia and Bryan
I think of Frank every day and know how many lives he touched. I have a picture of my Father Allen Apodaca, Rudy Cruz and Frank and they were definately the three amigos! I called Esther and told her that my Father and Frank our together now and having a blast up in Heaven! I will miss Frank’s charismatic charm, his love of his family and friends and his constant faith. I truly think of him as a special angel who will watch over all of us. Rest in Peace Frank. Your kind soul will be truly missed.Love always, Gina, Danny, AD,Alex and Tino
Esther, you are all in my heart and prayers. May Frank’s journey home be as beautiful as he was in life and spirit! God Bless XOXO
Esther, Clarisa and Frankie: Heartfelt condolences on your loss. Frank was a very special unique person, providing advice to persons in need of emotional support, and unquestionably faithful to all with whom he came in contact. His religion defined and sustained him and brought him peace especially after his terminal diagnosis. I will miss his gentle manner and cheerful disposition. He had the ability to engage with other people like no other, and, yes, he was one of a kind. I will miss him. I will pray for you as you go through your moments of grieving and hope that you will remember all of the good memories you had together. Carmen and daughter, Maria
Tia, Clarisa, and Frank Jr.
One love, one family, one shared personal relationship with God, with these remains a lifetime of Beautiful memories and comfort in knowing you will be together again…
Uncle Frank was one of my favorite people. His conversation was always so heartfelt; special. He had a unique way of making me feel so tall.
Beautiful Soul, My Tio.
My love and prayers por siempre.
My deepest sympathy for your lost. I will miss seeing Frank, especially at Mass every Sunday, as he faithfully attended, always smiling, never showing his pain or discomforts. I believe Frank is the humblest man I’ve ever met. I know he will be greatly missed. Given time, I pray, there is comfort in knowing he awaits for especially you, Esther.
Esther and family
Someone, named Chris Sorensen, I believe, once said: “No one ever really dies as long as they took the time to leave us with fond memories” I will always cherish the memories of the hours I spent with Frank, whether at work or at meals. I learned so much from him and the many good times we shared together. I surely speak for the many who mourn his loss. He was always there when I need to confide in someone. I will truly miss him. Frank’s faith was abiding and I know when God called Frank answered willingly.
vaya con dios mi buen amigo.
My wife and I first met Frank 35 years ago and will always recognize him as a great and compassionate community leader. His warm smile and soft words always made me feel very special (especially when he would say: “Mi estimado e ilustre caballero” (“My dear and ‘gleaming’ gentleman”). His leadership certainly left us with a legacy of successful health and social programs in our State of Washington.
Our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife Esther and family from the Narvaez-Zavala family.
Frank you will be missed thank you for taking the time to teach me about the Lord. Thank you for inviting me to your home on Christmas rest in peace I will see you in heaven some day
My Uncle Frank was quite amazing. He always had a wonderful sense of humor in any situation. Kind and loving beyond measure. A pleasure to be around.
I remember his kindness toward my children, Always joking and laughing. than without fail, before our visit would end, he would give my kids a few dollars to put in their pockets! and of course we cannot forget his Bear hugs! My condolences Aunt Ester, Clarissa, and Frank Jr. We love you!
Ester and family, Frank will be missed by all. I first met Frank at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1981. I worked with him until he retired in 1999. Frank was a great teacher and mentor and his influence has had a positive effect on my career and personal life. Thank you, Frank. You will not be forgotten.
Many lives were touched by the goodness and compassion of my Uncle Frank. His ability to spread kindness to others always with a smile is testament to his great spirit. Aunt Esther, Clarissa and Frank Jr. To you I extend my deepest heartfelt condolences.
Sue and I think of you often and share in you loss of this great man who meant so very much to us. When I think of a life well lived I think of Uncle Frank and know he is with us always. Again, please accept our deepest condolences.
Frank was an extraordinary witness to his faith in Jesus. He died as he lived with one goal in mind, to love and serve faithfully. It was a privilege to know him and to share in his journey.
Esther, Frank will not find the service in heaven better than he had it here on earth will you! You took amazing care of him, blessings to you!
In life you meet many people, make few real friends and enjoy the company of truly genuine individuals. Frank Martinez was one of those jewels. I do not know of anyone who had a bad thing to say about mi amigo. Enjoy the peace you so richly deserve!—el Profe
A FATHER provides the foundation of strength, wisdom and hope so that his children may build their dreams upon it.
Happy Father’s Day Dado! I’m thinking of you today and missing you everyday. I love you.
Eash