As a little girl I would go to lunch with my parents, Susan and Rey.  I would doodle cartoons and whatever came to mind on the restaurant napkins.  Rey would ask me just about every time we went, if I would draw one for him to keep.  I felt so special being able to impress Rey and the way he complimented my drawings.  Rey was not only kind in these interactions, but he was the person I looked forward to seeing at these meals!  The words of encouragement are what I remember most about Rey.  I am blessed to have know Rey and experience his genuine personality.  I know Tom and Andy know this, but they have the coolest dad!  Now I get to work with kids as a school counselor and have looked up to Rey in that way too.  He had a gift connecting with people and allowing them to be themselves when in his company.  He is and will continue to be a role model in my life.  I have not seen Rey or his family in many years, but hearing of Rey’s passing haunts me.  What an amazing person he was to us all.

Jacki and I were introduced to the Martinez family in 2015 when Tom proposed to our daughter Alyssa. Immediately Rey and Susan were extremely welcoming, like we had known them forever. Rey led by example living a life of great purpose. We will remember Rey as a gentle soul, letting all of his many accomplishments speak for themselves. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and all the lives he touched throughout his incredible life. Rey, you are truly missed......

There are so many memories I have of Rey it's hard to chose one. A few that stick out are him teaching me and the rest of my 5th grade class how to write calligraphy. He was so patient with all of us and generous with his time to come in to the classroom over several weeks to teach us how to write. 
I remember watching Bronco games with Rey along with Susan, Tom and Andrew. As many of you know, he was not the type to yell or scream, but if the Broncos had a turnover or interception I remember him just saying "Come on guy-o" in a very subdued tone. Most other people would have been yelling at the TV! 
I wish I could apologize to him for all of the watered down Jack and  cokes he ended up having. Tom and I would find our way to his liquor cabinet in their house on Forest after Rey and Susan would be asleep. Our trick was to use a dry erase marker to mark the line of how much liquor was in the bottle, drink some, and then fill it with water back up to the line. I'm sure they tasted terrible when he was making his own!!
The most recent memory I enjoy of Rey was getting the chance to introduce my oldest daughter, Jane, to someone who made such a big impression on my childhood. It was a very "circle of life" moment that I didn't appreciate as much at the time as I do now. 
Sending much love to all of his family and grateful for the time and opportunity to know Rey.  







Uncle Rey and Aunt Susan are the ones who inspired me to become a teacher by the time I was in fourth grade. I hold the memories of visiting them in Durango and our adventure in Hawaii close in my heart. I mean, who else could endure us singing show tunes from South Pacific in a rental car with no air conditioning and two toddlers (Tom and Andy) while trying to navigate through the difficult-to-pronounce streets of Hawaii and do it with complete patience and grace! Uncle Rey! He was wonderful and will be missed beyond measure. ♥️

Someone once said, "only the gentle are really strong." We have always thought of Rey as being the "gentle giant" whose "voice was as soft as thunder, his hands strong enough to lift the fallen, yet gentle enough to pick up the smallest child."

Whenever Rey spoke, it was either funny or wise, his words always carefully chosen to uplift or influence in some positive or caring way. He created a loving legacy among the thousands of kids he taught, coached and counseled, as well as his many friends ... but even more so for his immediate family, his extended family and his numerous friends. 

But perhaps most important is the impact Rey has had and will continue to have on us. He was a shining example of a humble servant, proud parent, and loving husband who has inspired us immeasurably. 

God speed, Rey. The world is a better place because of the life you lived, the impact you created, and the example you set as a good and righteous man.   
In loving memory,     Dick and Martha Lyles

Tough act to follow. 

For 60 years I've been known to those closest as "little Rey." I can't think of a more honorable title or higher distinction.  Grateful, Rey 

I met Rey in 1970 in Durango.  I will always remember him as a kind and generous person. I last saw him in 2021 and he was the same gentle man.  I send love to Susan and his two sons who have always continued his legacy of caring and compassion,  Love, Cheryl 

I pray for my dear. Brother,  Rey. For. God s great. Grace. And. Love. To. Bless and guide. His. Soul. In. Heaven. We. Played together, prayed. Together. Worked. Together. As youngsters. We. Did all. The activity together. He was my best friend. He was the greatest leader of. Faith and. Service to. Our. Lord. In. Our lives. I continue to. Give Thanks to our. Lord. For his rest with the. Lord.  

Rey was a real brother to me, maybe not by blood but still a wonderful example and mentor.  He was always there at the most important moments of my life.   When ever I visited Durango I would gain 5 pounds from his incredible cooking.   I'm going to miss you so much Rey!

My best memories of uncle Ray are at Thanksgiving in Durango. A man of little words but made us laugh and laugh. He had such a beautiful heart. Love you Uncle Ray. 
Luke Hodack

I have many fond memories of my Uncle Rey, but I’ll share one when he was my 8th grade basketball 🏀 coach.  Let’s just say Uncle Rey was stern, well respected, but man of few words!  We are playing for the eighth grade basketball championship Miller of Durango against our rival Cortez.  We are all nervous before the game and in walks Coach Martinez.  Clears his throat, us all waiting in anticipation, “go get ‘em boys” turns around and walks out.  Effective though we won 25-21! Champions! Love you Uncle Rey, you will be missed!  Matthew Martinez III

OBITUARY

Rey Cayton Martinez

August 20, 1931 – July 2, 2022

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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