Grand Junction, Colo.—John Martinez, 60 of Grand Junction, Colo. passed away peacefully on May 3, 2017.
He was the son of Felix and Regina Ortega of Monte Vista, born on June 22, 1956 in Monte Vista.
John served briefly in the U.S. Army and graduated from Trinidad State Junior College earning an auto body technician degree. John loved watching and supporting his Denver Broncos. He loved all people and everyone was his friend as he had a heart of gold and would help everyone out that he could.
John enjoyed fishing and spending precious time with his son John Jr., three grandchildren, brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews.
John Sr. is survived by his son John Jr. (Esther), Sterling, Colo.; ex-wife Lorraine, Center; granddaughters, Aysha and Marisa and grandson Jaden also of Sterling. Siblings include sisters Monica, San Diego, Calif. and Jessica, Salt Lake City, Utah; brothers Don (Janet), Eugene (Joyce), of Monte Vista; Vincent (Lupita) Center; Alex of Denver and Dario (Jennifer) Espanola, N.M. He is also survived by over 60 nephews and nieces who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by both his parents and two brothers Robert and Arnold and sister Roberta, and daughter Melanie Martinez.
A celebration of his life will take place at Browns Funeral Home in Grand Junction on May 13 at 11 a.m. A ceremony in Monte Vista will take place on July 29. His favorite quote was “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.”