An accomplished surgeon, a caring husband, a loving father and grandfather, one who served God's poor with expert surgical care, an adventurer, and above all, a man who knew Himself as a child of God, saved through faith in Jesus Christ – all of these words describe Daniel Martinez, whose earthly life quietly closed on November 14, 2015 in San Diego, CA.
Daniel McNamara Martinez was born September 6, 1926 in Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico. Daniel was the first child born to Augustin Martinez Aguilar and Beatriz McNamara de Martinez. Theirs was a most remarkable family that claims a heritage reaching from the Emerald Isle to Seville in Southwestern Spain.
Daniel was raised in the Christian faith, and came early to embrace as his own a confidence in Christ as his Savior – a confidence rooted in the Bible and the convictions of the Presbyterian tradition.
Daniel’s undergraduate studies at College Ateneo Fuente (Saltillo, MX) and Austin College (Sherman, TX) were followed by medical studies at Universidad de Nuevo Leon (Monterrey, MX). These years were followed by years of internship, residency, surgery and research in and around Boston, MA, including Quincy City Hospital, Massachusetts General Eye and Ear Infirmary, Children’s Hospital of Boston, and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (now Brigham and Women’s Hospital).
It was during his years in Boston that Daniel met Claire Bjornholm, who became the love of his life. Daniel and Claire were married in 1951. They were blessed with seven children. For most of the family’s years, home was in Highland Park, TX. There in the greater Dallas region, Daniel practiced medicine and surgery for over 50 years at Methodist Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital, as well as Baylor, St. Paul’s, and Children’s Hospitals.
Daniel loved to pursue adventure in God’s creation. Piloting aircraft was a primary passion – Daniel held a commercial pilot’s license. Scuba-diving and hunting with his sons were other activities that highlighted his time.
Daniel participated in many professional societies, among them the American Academy of Opthalmology & Otolaryngology, the American Laryngological, Rhinological, Otological Society (Triological Society), the American Neurological Society, the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the American Board of Neurotology, and the Neurovascular Society of North America.
Outpacing his deep appreciation for such professional relationships was his commitment to serve the poor, particularly in the area of Villa Mainero, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Daniel’s father had established a medical mission in this tiny village in northeastern Mexico, and Daniel was passionate about his ministry to the people of Mainero. In time, he gathered physicians and volunteers from across the US and Mexico to gather for regular “caravans” providing medical and surgical care as well as services of evangelism and Christian ministry.
After retirement from medical and surgical practice, Daniel and Claire returned to Cape Cod, where they made their home in the renovated cottage that Claire’s father had built in the 1940s. There, they enjoyed watching wildlife, visits from children and grandchildren, and grateful reflection over a lifetime 64 years of love and companionship. Daniel and Claire moved to San Diego in June, 2015 to be closer to family.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents Augustin Martinez Aguilar and Beatriz McNamara de Martinez; his brother Juan Martinez and sister Beatriz Cantu. He is survived by his wife, Claire; Two sisters, Olga Lydia Martinez and Anna Marie Hare; His seven children: Eduard Martinez (Nieves), Rachel Martinez, Daniel Martinez, (Angeles), Andy Martinez, (Lisa), Roger Martinez (Joanie), Elena Cresap (Jeff), and Alicia Lindholtz (Rick); 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. All of these, along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues, remember Him with love and gratitude. Daniel’s was a life lived for God’s glory and neighbor’s good. May God’s blessing and peace be with the memory of Daniel always.
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to the follow charity;
Checks made to : Hospital Presbiteriano de Villa Mainero
Checks can be taken to any BVDA/Compass Bank.
If a BVDA/Compass bank is not convenient the check can be mailed to:
Compass Bank
P.O. Box 630015
Dallas, Texas 75263-0015
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