MARTINEZ, Jacob (Cheech)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 09/28/2012 Jacob ‘Cheech’ Martinez, 21, was camped with his family and friends at his favorite spot on earth at Buffalo Crossing, Unit 27. He was doing his favorite thing — archery hunting and looking for a trophy elk with the older brother that he loved, Jeremy. On a run into town his truck rolled and his life instantly ended Sept. 22, 2012. Cheech was always going in high gear — the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was extremely loyal and proud of his family. Family always came first. He loved to hunt and fish, cut firewood or do anything in the woods. He also loved to snowboard and was the instigator of a group of snowboard enthusiasts that became known as “CheechM’s Club Weezy.” Cheech graduated from Snowflake High School and became a certified welder, working at the Coronado Generating Station and also in Tucson with Sundt Construction. Cheech is survived by his parents, Pete and Shana Martinez of Snowflake; brothers: Jeremy (Macey) and their two children: Josh and Jaden. He was devoted to his only sister, Jerika, who idolized him. Grandparents: Jerry and Patsy Martinez (papa and nanny), Keith and Jodi Flake, and Mark and Lynda Gonzales. He is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was very personable and made friends everywhere he went. Many of his friends have memorialized him with a Facebook page (rip cheechmartinez) leaving their tales of the adventures they enjoyed with this incredible young man. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at the Martinez Home, 860 E. Snowflake Blvd. in Snowflake. A Celebration of Life for Cheech will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Our Lady of the Snow Community Center, 1655 S. Main in Snowflake. Camo/casual attire. In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at Wells Fargo in the name of Jacob Cheech Martinez Memorial Fund — which will then be donated to Make a Wish Foundation for a hunt. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements. Send an online condolence at website www.burnhammortuary.com.