Fidel Martinez

Fidel Wilfred Martinez was a loving father, grandfather and brother who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 9th, 2016. Fidel better known as “Marty” was born on June 5th, 1948 in Trinidad, CO to Ida and Fidel Martinez. From a prime young age Fidel exhibited an amazing talent for music and played many instruments including the trumpet, accordion and piano. Through is music he filled the hearts of many and was considered a Star to all that knew him. He grew up in the Town of Sopris, CO and graduated from Trinidad High School in 1966. He went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado then soon after enlisted in the United States Army and spent several years proudly serving his country. While in the Army Marty never gave up his passion for music and became a proud member of the NORAD band. Once his time was up in Army and with the NORAD band he went on to enlist in the Army Reserves and continued to play with many other bands including: Squad 4, The Rick Garcia Band and Cowboy attitude just to name a few. After many years of living in Denver, Marty eventually found is true home in Glenwood Springs, CO and lived there with his loving wife Joan. Along with his passion for music Marty loved to help others and did so by opening his own Tax and immigration preparation company called Rio Vista Services. He and Joan spent many years in Glenwood working with families of the western slope and were active members of many city council and volunteer groups. Once retired they both moved back to Denver to be near family whom he loved dearly. He was a proud grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his boys. Fidel was an amazing person and brought joy to all those he met. His contagious smile filled a room and he was a wonderful friend to all those he knew. Fidel’s memory will forever live on and he will always remain in our hearts. Fidel is survived by: his daughter Claudia Saez and husband Hector Saez, his two grandchildren Esai and Dominic Saez, his brother Jerry Martinez and wife Midge Martinez, his sister Joann Barela and husband Joe Barela and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Baldwin.