Lasting Memories

Christopher James Martinez
Dec. 18, 1969-Jan. 12, 2016
East Palo Alto, California

Christopher James Martinez Sr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 12, 2016. His last days were spent at home surrounded by his family in East Palo Alto, California.

Chris was born in Redwood City on Dec. 18 in 1969 to Jackie and John Martinez. At age 13 he moved to Iowa where he enjoyed playing football and running track while in high school.

Chris returned to California at the age of 20 and became friends with Leonora Brown. While they were courting, he began going to church with the Brown family. The Lord then touched his heart and he surrendered his life over to the Lord Jesus Christ. In August of 1992 Chris and Lea were married and started a family. Chris was a loving, caring and doting husband and father.

As a father, Chris loved coaching for his kids' football and baseball teams. He enjoyed teaching them responsibility, mechanics and carpentry. He shared his humor and often wrestled around the house with the boys. He cherished his time at the father-daughter dances; he loved building Legos, RC racing, doing puzzles, watching Raiders games and reading daily devotional before bed with his kids. Chris was also blessed to become a devoted, loving and caring grandfather. He was favored for being a great uncle and an extended father to many.

To his in-laws, Chris was more like a son. He always respected and honored their advice and words of encouragement. He was dependable and always tried to help in any way.

Christopher Martinez is known for being a hard and dedicated worker beginning with his first job at Value Max. After various jobs, he went to trade school at OICW for carpentry and was then employed by BG Flathers. He later found a home and extended family working as a diesel mechanic at AAA Rentals where he was welcomed and mentored by Mr. Edward Dobbs and others.

Preceding his going home are his grandparents; his father, James John Martinez; and father-in-law, Donald Brown Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Leonora Martinez, and his mother, Glenda Brown, as well as his children: Toyita, Christopher Jr., Elijah, Jordan, Jonathan, Austin and Carmella. He is also survived by two grandsons by his daughter Toyita, Chimmie Jon and Gabriel Ontiveros; brothers, Raymond and Gordon; sister, Dawn Martinez; and a host of brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws. He also had a multitude of nieces and nephews, along with extended adopted family and friends.

Chris will be remembered for being a loving husband, a fun dad, a playful grandfather, a respected employee, and a mentor with a deep desire to help elders and youth.

God bless and keep you, Mrs. Leonora Martinez and family