Gasper “Marty” Martinez, 90, of Murray, Utah, passed away on April 23, 2023. Born on April 22, 1933, in Questa, New Mexico, Gasper was the son of Merejilda and Carlos Martinez. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia I Gonzales Martinez, son Kenny R. Martinez, daughter Julie A. Martinez, mother Merejilda Martinez, father Carlos Martinez, sister Eva Herrera, brother Moises Martinez, brother Melecio Martinez, sister Rose Martinez, and sister Maggie Madrid.
Gasper is survived by his wife Linda J. Martinez, and his children Kathie (Ken) Baker, Robbie (John) Snyder, Barney (Cindy) Martinez, Jeffery (Lizette) Martinez, and Nicholas (Katie) Martinez. He is also survived by his sister Arbella Melton, 26 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren.
Gasper was born in Questa and moved to Grand Junction at the age of 5. This is where he had a bike that he traded for his first car. He continued his love for cars the rest of his life. He had many beautiful cars throughout his life. He attended many car shows and won many trophies and has a room filled with them. Gasper passed his love of cars to his sons. He loved his family and was always happy to see one coming through the front door and always loved company.
Gasper later moved to Salt Lake City, UT and started a job at the Union Pacific where he became a telegraph operator. He later became a train dispatcher until his retirement. He met Linda Lundberg and they married in 1971. They had one son, Nicholas Martinez and were married for 52 years.
Golf was another one of Gasper's passions, and he started a family golf tournament that he enjoyed organizing every year, including prizes and trophies for the players. He was also a fan of Mexican food, especially beans, papas, and tortillas. He especially loved his mother’s perfect tortillas. Gasper loved ice cream and would often have it for dinner. He enjoyed watching the Utah Jazz play and was a softie for the hummingbirds that visited him during the summer time.
When he was a young man he attended church where he played the steel guitar during services. He loved country music and horses. His childhood horses were Blacky and Brownie.
Gasper was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a man of many interests who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones.
Gasper's memorial service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial park and Mortuary located at 3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, April 29th beginning at 11:00AM.
A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45. His family and friends will gather to celebrate his life and say their final goodbyes. May he rest in peace.
