MARTINEZ, Michael Joseph

The Prescott Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Michael Joseph Martinez, loving son, gentle brother, and caring uncle, passed away in a car accident outside of Williams, Ariz., Saturday night, Oct. 20, 2007. Mike, 48, was born at his grandmother's house in Seligman, Ariz., on Sept. 21, 1959, to Esperanza and Tommy Martinez. Growing up full of life and bright, Mike excelled athletically, lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track and field at Seligman High School. Cars were and have remained a constant joy for the hard-working Mike; his pride and joy as a teen was his 1967 Camero. Yet, as much as he cared for these things, he took even better care of his family. As a brother, he stood as stability, consistency and logic for his older brother, John, and his two younger siblings, Danny and Angela. Danny recalls, "It was all I could do just to try and be like him. "His approachable demeanor and charisma offered the priceless gift of bringing out a smile in not only them, but all with whom he came in contact. His current residence in Flagstaff, Ariz., is near his siblings and their children, whom he dearly loved. Mike, who cherished being active, was an avid outdoorsman, archer and hunter. With his dogs in the back of his truck and his Carhartt in his front seat Mike was ready to tackle it all. Mike, known affectionately to his friends as “Mike MacGyver” was a jack of all trades and, more importantly, always willing to lend a helping hand. He possessed the rare traits of patience and humility making him an excellent teacher, and eagerly passed on all he knew to his nieces and nephews. A man of few words, one knew to listen carefully when he spoke because he revealed an intellect and consideration born of experience and open-mindedness. Mike is survived by father Tommy; brothers John (wife Patricia), sons Gabriel and Joseph), and Danny (wife Delores), children Tomas, Danielle and Ana and sister Angela Vargas (husband Steve), children Jessica and Marcus). He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Esperanza and grandmother PetraMoya. Services will be Wednesday Oct. 24, 2007 Rosary/Divine Mercy Chaplet at 11 a.m. Funeral Mass celebration at noon in Seligman at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 104 Schoeny, Seligman, Az., 86337. Information provided by survivors.