Richard “Rick” Martinez was a very special person to so many. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Taton Martinez, his mother, Delia Martinez (Flores), his sister Dianna Berrelez, brother-in-law Moses Berrelez, his daughter Sonya Martinez-Coleman, son-in-law Anthony Coleman, daughter Regina Gerlach, son-in-law Joseph Gerlach, step son Connor Curtis and step daughter Lauren Spychaj.  He had eight grandchildren; Donovan, Zeke, Xavier, Josiah, Deaja, Amaria, Trace, Miles, a great-granddaughter, Aniyah and many uncles, aunts and cousins.  He loved them all dearly.  He was preceded in death by his father, Ramon Martinez, whom he greatly missed.  Rick loved spending time with all of his family and enjoyed sharing a meal with just about anyone who wished to share their life and time.  He especially loved being in the mountains hiking and camping. He often said he felt the closest to God when surrounded by nature where he enjoyed the serenity of being outdoors no matter the season.  He could spend hours gardening and enjoyed hosting large gatherings at his home for bar-b-que's and holiday celebrations. He was quite the cook where no one would ever leave his home hungry.  Rick had quite the sense of humor and a very quick wit. He loved to tease everyone he met and often had a “rick-name” for those close to his heart.  He did not know any strangers as they would eventually become his friend.  Rick was a giving person who would always lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved to travel, meet new friends, taste the food and capture the culture. He had planned to see the world. Unfortunately, we lost him too early for him to carry out his dream.  Rick valiantly braved cancer in 2017, where he won the battle and was in remission for several years. We prayed he would never have to endure the struggle and suffering cancer brings. Rick fought hard to conquer his second encounter with cancer, all the while retaining his humor and zest for life before succumbing to the disease.  

Rick was an amazing, caring and hard working man. He was the first in his family to attend college and find success in the Information technology field where his dedication and success spanned several decades. He valued his work, employers and fellow co-workers. Rick was a wonderful husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew and friend. We are blessed to have known him and will cherish all of the years we did have with him in our lives. He was so loved and will missed by so many.

Please join us in memory of Rick on January 18th, 2025 at Journey Christian Church, 4754 W. 31st St. Greeley, CO at 11:00am.  

Please wear something blue to commemorate and celebrate a life well lived and well loved.

Your Memory is my keepsake

With which we'll never part.

God has you in his keeping

I have you in my heart

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Institute of Cancer Research to help find a cure.