Eugene Martinez Obituary

Durango native Eugene Nick Martinez died from complications of an old traumatic brain injury Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Mercy Regional Medical Center. He was 54.

Known as "Gene," he was born to Antonia Rosa Montaño and Antonio Jose Martinez on Feb. 28, 1956, in Durango. He was raised in his beloved mountains of Southwest Colorado.

Mr. Martinez attended St. Columba Catholic School and graduated from Durango High School.

His family said he was a gifted stonemason and followed in his father's footsteps as a second-generation contractor. He operated his own business, Martinez Construction, for a number of years. Later, he managed several properties he owned.

Mr. Martinez was recognized about town in his long braids.

He was an avid fisherman and designed his own tied fishing flies. He was an excellent marksman. His love of hunting began as a child with hunting trips with his father. His favorite haunt was the upper wilderness of Middle Mountain. Mr. Martinez's fondness for bears took him on hunting expeditions to Alaska and Russia.

Mr. Martinez had a passion for animals, his family said. He had a small ranch where he raised buffalo, horses and cattle. He enjoyed gardening. Mr. Martinez was a fledgling writer and a gifted artist, they said.

Mr. Martinez is survived by his brothers Teofelo Martinez of Ignacio and Bernard R. Martinez of Bayfield; sisters Pauline Martinez and Maria Inez Martinez, both of Durango, and Mercedes "Mercy" Jones of San Diego; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Cremation has occurred. A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 East Third Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 254 East Fifth Ave. The Rev. Joseph L. Gallegos will be the celebrant.