In Memory Of
Senator Robert Martinez
1943
2016
Senator Robert Martinez
September 6, 1943 — November 21, 2016
Senator Robert "Bob" Martinez, 73, of Commerce City, passed away November 21, 2016.
He was born September 6, 1943 in Holly, Colorado, the son of Benito and Alfreida (Diaz) Martinez.
Bob was a graduate of Holly High School. He attended Lamar Junior College and then transferred to the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then received his Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Bob was also a graduate of the John F. Kennedy Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments at Harvard University.
Bob was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives for 4 years and the Senate for 16 years. During his tenure, Bob's Legislative Leadership positions included Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman, Senate Assistant Minority Leader, and Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. One of his most notable memories was serving as Acting "Governor for a Day" for the State of Colorado on July 11, 1991.
He was also a member of the National Conference of State Legislators, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Adams County Planning Commission, the American G. I. Forum and American Legion Post #151. Bob was Founder and Chairman of the Mexican-American State Legislative Policy Institute and Founder of the Colorado Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Bob was also involved with the United Mexican-American Students (UMAS) at University of Colorado-Boulder, and later served as Director of the Migrant Action Program at CU Boulder. He also served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Inc., and the Metropolitan Denver Boys Club.
Bob was passionate about issues regarding the elderly, Veterans, children and the homeless. In 1991, Bob was rated by the Colorado Senior Citizens Lobby as the highest ranking senator in the Colorado Legislature because of his outstanding voting record on behalf of senior citizen issues. In 1992 he was awarded the "Children's Champion Award for Outstanding Legislative Leadership for Children" by the United Children's Advocacy Network of Colorado. One of several bills passed by Bob while in the State Legislature (SB 157) provided for a voluntary contribution on state income tax returns to fund the "Homeless Prevention Activities Program Fund". Another bill authorized special License Plates for Veterans awarded a Purple Heart Commendation Medal.
Bob loved to fish, good homemade red chili, and was a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos and CU Buffalos. An avid reader of local and national newspapers, as well as Newsweek and Time magazine, he had a keen interest in national and state political issues, and kept current on issues key to the Latino community.
Bob is survived by Two Sons, Julian (Victoria) Martinez and Gerald (Misty) Martinez; Three Grandchildren, Jasmin Martinez, Mariah Martinez and Zack Martinez; Six Brothers and Sisters, Nellie (Tony) Garcia, Angel Marie (Patrick) Sanchez, Dr. Arthur D. Martinez, Benjamin (Peggy) Martinez, Connie (Edward) Modecker and David P. (Victoria) Martinez; Brother-In-Law, Pete Contreras; and Many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by Parents, Benito G. and Alfreida D. Martinez, Son, Richard Martinez, Daughter, Deann Maria Martinez, Two Brothers, Fernando and Alfonso D. Martinez and Sister, Teresa A. Contreras.
A memorial service for Senator Bob Martinez will be held on Friday, December 2 at Our Lady Mother of the Church, 6690 E. 72nd Avenue, Commerce City. Rosary is at 11:00 AM, with Mass following at 11:30. A reception will follow.
To share a memory of Bob or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born September 6, 1943 in Holly, Colorado, the son of Benito and Alfreida (Diaz) Martinez.
Bob was a graduate of Holly High School. He attended Lamar Junior College and then transferred to the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo where he received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then received his Master's degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Bob was also a graduate of the John F. Kennedy Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments at Harvard University.
Bob was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives for 4 years and the Senate for 16 years. During his tenure, Bob's Legislative Leadership positions included Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman, Senate Assistant Minority Leader, and Chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. One of his most notable memories was serving as Acting "Governor for a Day" for the State of Colorado on July 11, 1991.
He was also a member of the National Conference of State Legislators, National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Adams County Planning Commission, the American G. I. Forum and American Legion Post #151. Bob was Founder and Chairman of the Mexican-American State Legislative Policy Institute and Founder of the Colorado Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Bob was also involved with the United Mexican-American Students (UMAS) at University of Colorado-Boulder, and later served as Director of the Migrant Action Program at CU Boulder. He also served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Inc., and the Metropolitan Denver Boys Club.
Bob was passionate about issues regarding the elderly, Veterans, children and the homeless. In 1991, Bob was rated by the Colorado Senior Citizens Lobby as the highest ranking senator in the Colorado Legislature because of his outstanding voting record on behalf of senior citizen issues. In 1992 he was awarded the "Children's Champion Award for Outstanding Legislative Leadership for Children" by the United Children's Advocacy Network of Colorado. One of several bills passed by Bob while in the State Legislature (SB 157) provided for a voluntary contribution on state income tax returns to fund the "Homeless Prevention Activities Program Fund". Another bill authorized special License Plates for Veterans awarded a Purple Heart Commendation Medal.
Bob loved to fish, good homemade red chili, and was a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos and CU Buffalos. An avid reader of local and national newspapers, as well as Newsweek and Time magazine, he had a keen interest in national and state political issues, and kept current on issues key to the Latino community.
Bob is survived by Two Sons, Julian (Victoria) Martinez and Gerald (Misty) Martinez; Three Grandchildren, Jasmin Martinez, Mariah Martinez and Zack Martinez; Six Brothers and Sisters, Nellie (Tony) Garcia, Angel Marie (Patrick) Sanchez, Dr. Arthur D. Martinez, Benjamin (Peggy) Martinez, Connie (Edward) Modecker and David P. (Victoria) Martinez; Brother-In-Law, Pete Contreras; and Many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by Parents, Benito G. and Alfreida D. Martinez, Son, Richard Martinez, Daughter, Deann Maria Martinez, Two Brothers, Fernando and Alfonso D. Martinez and Sister, Teresa A. Contreras.
A memorial service for Senator Bob Martinez will be held on Friday, December 2 at Our Lady Mother of the Church, 6690 E. 72nd Avenue, Commerce City. Rosary is at 11:00 AM, with Mass following at 11:30. A reception will follow.
To share a memory of Bob or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Senator Robert Martinez, please visit our flower store.
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