Clair Martinez Obituary

Clair Manuel Martinez was born August 12, 1933, in Durango and passed March 2, 2026. He went home to be in the arms of Jesus. Dad was born to Matt and Emma Martinez. He was a native of Durango, went to Durango High School, was Mr. Athlete and graduated in 1952. Dad went on to play four years at Adams State College and played the last two years with his brother Rey. Dad met Elva Jaramillo his senior year and they were married for 27 years but maintained a friendship after their divorce and would always visit about their kids, which included his special dogs Zipper, Eli and Sissy. Dad was fortunate enough to grow up in a close loving family that was maintained until the day he died. His love for his siblings was an inspiration to us all. There was nothing more special than a Martinez family reunion with Dad and Uncle Reys chili, desserts and salads from Aunt Joe and Aunt Ev with visits from Aunt Carmen from Texas with Travis and just the laughter and tears we shared with our time together. Always enjoying the cousins and our families getting established and now we are the legacy of this special family. Dad was a true educator and coach all his life. He was proud of his education, receiving both his Bachelors and his Masters degrees and always proud of his 42 years of education at Miller Jr. High, Smiley Jr. High, Durango High School, Park School, Ignacio High School and Cortez High School. He was a Spanish teacher, counselor, principal and coach. He always made us proud. Dad loved the outdoors as he worked for the Forest Service for about 10 years and loved fishing, tying his own flies, hunting deer and elk, camping at the lakes, cutting wood and remodeled anything he could get his hands on. He cherished his friendships with Jules Koss, Vern Leithouser, Rufe Romero, Sam Maynes, Bill Dosher, John Hood, Walt Jackson and so many other golfing buddies and his colleagues over the years. Also were the relationships over 60 years at his pride and joy, Sacred Heart Church. Dad was a true servant all those years and nothing made him prouder than to serve his church. He left us an example to follow and we are all grateful for that. Dad loved to play golf with his brothers and friends, that was where dad was at his best, laughing and telling stories to no end. He loved traveling to see his kids and grandkids and then great grandkids. In his last years our lives were enriched with many of his childhood memories and his inspiring story telling. Dad was a man of faith a Devout born again Catholic who believed in his salvation. Thank you for praying grandmas. We are all forever grateful for his love to each one of us. Dad had seven children, Cabe-Allyson, Jerry-Carrie, Luke-Elmer, Caris, Jerrica, Kayra, Mara-Shannon; grandchildren, Kayra Lynn, Brady, Kristen, Ben-Kelly, Zack and Luke, Koi and Kiana; great grandchildren, Hanna, Lauren and Addison, Santana, Owen, Jonah and Lydia Martinez, Miller Martinez. Each one a part of his legacy. Dad was preceded in death by brothers, Rey Martinez, Max and Eloy Martinez, Danny Martinez and his favorite cousin George Montoya; sisters, Cecilia Martinez, Josephine Roybal; son, Cabe Martinez; nephew, Martin Roybal; niece, Mary J. Martinez, Ron Phillips. He is survived by sister, Carmen Farrar; brother, Matt Martinez - Evelyn, Sue Martinez, Elva Martinez and Jo Martinez. Dad loved his nephews and nieces, who were so valuable to us as we walked through these last two years, from phone calls to cards to prayers. Sorry my dear cousins, but his pride and joy was Barbara as she was like his daughter. George Roybal, Diane Martinez, Little Rey (Sonia) Martinez, Theresa (Sam) Grimm, Tom (Alyssa) Martinez, Andy and Bayli, Mark-Lisa Carillo, Karen Tabone, Matthew Martinez, Nicole Martinez, Kim (Bill) Rassure. There is no service planned at this time.

Love you Dad - Hit em Straight.