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BORN
1929
DIED
2015
Al Martinez Obituary
Martinez was a long-time columnist for the Los Angeles Times, writing about life in Southern California.
He had a unique view of the world, sharing his ideas on the human condition. In his last column for the Daily News in 2013, he wrote about how much he would miss writing a column. He had written columns for three different newspapers and for three years for the Daily News.
"I'll miss it terribly and I'll miss you, but I'll be all right. Just a little lonely, that's all, without the me that used to be me." he wrote in his farewell column.
Martinez, who was nominated by the Daily News, was chosen by the Society of Professional Journalists to become a fellow of the society for his extraordinary contributions to the profession.
Being a fellow is the highest honor SPJ bestows upon a journalist, and Martinez was recognized in 2013.
"I feel great," Martinez said at the time. "After a career of about 65 years, it's nice to be noticed, nice to have someone say you haven't misspent your career."
Memories and Condolences
for Al Martinez
21 Entries
Holly Lebed
March 23, 2018
I miss your writing. I hope you are having a great time up there.
carole merritt
January 27, 2018
A gentle giant, sensitive, informed and generous.
julia Cox
September 27, 2017
A sweet man and a great story teller. I'm reading through his books and columns again. I miss Cindy.
javier c
November 21, 2015
As I learned of his passing I am in deep south texas. I enjoyed his writing so much. My condolences.
Deborah Bullock
June 27, 2015
To Cinelli - I just finished reading I'll be Damned if I Die in Oakland, and am glad there is a space here for me to convey to you how much the book touched me. It was not until I was almost done that I found out your husband had passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. Reading the book made both of you feel so much like real friends, it was hard to say goodbye after finishing this morning. You have both touched so many people. I am looking forward to reading much more of your husband's writing. Al Martinez was a true poet!
larry felix
March 31, 2015
I just loved his work..I FELT LIKE I KNOW HIM HIS WTITING GAVE YOU THAT FEELING.
Rosalie Knuidson
March 21, 2015
Al personally endorsed one of his books at his book signing as "to my e mail pal." I often e mailed him with comments on his columns, and I was one of the many who wrote to the Times when they dared to discontinue his column the first time. We lost an icon....
Karen S
February 25, 2015
My heart goes out to Al's wife Cinelli and family. May his memory be a blessing to you. He was a treasure with a kind heart, humor, and a special outlook on life. His writing made me laugh and cry and think. I am so grateful for it. Most recently he helped and comforted me through the passing of my beloved dog from cancer through his compassion and insight in his book, Barkley, A Dog's Journey.
Rest in peace, Mr. Martinez. Thank you. There is surely a special place in heaven reserved for beautiful, loving hearts like yours.
Lola G
February 17, 2015
I am saddened to find that Al is no longer with us. I feel I have lost another friend. I've followed his column through the years and just today I came across one now yellowed with age,that I had clipped and saved. I met him at a book signing in Reno in1992...I still have the book, Dancing Under The Moon, that he autographed for me. Rest in peace, Al...you are fondly remembered. Blessings to your family.
Janet Whitcomb
February 16, 2015
He was smart, he was funny, he was absolutely "write-on." Oh, and --shh!-- he also was compassionate. Yes, "Elmer" had a heart. Now and then he visibly wore it, and anyone who read his column was better for having done so, for a little bit of "Elmer" couldn't fail to become part of us as well.
He loved people, kids, and pets. And re: the latter, he surely has been welcomed by Barkley and all his other four-pawed friends who've gone before him.
Vaya con dios, Senor Martinez, and condolences to his beloved Cinelli and all other family members.
Linda Hernandez
February 6, 2015
I very much agree with the message my friend Sandra Nevarez wrote and will be attending Al's Memorial Service with her on 2-8-15 in Santa Monica. We were both avid followers of his column and Sandra was honored with having Al reply to her message to him. He truly was an Everyman and a Man of the People. Rest in Peace, Al, knowing that you touched many lives in your sojourn here with us.
Jill Adams
January 22, 2015
My Uncles name was Elmer and he too asked to be called Al. Trouble is his brother was Alan and preferred Al. So it got confusing at times. They are both with Al Martinez laughing about old times. Thank you for letting us Long Time Daily News readers know of his passing. I always thought that Writers in so many areas do not get the credit earned. He is already missed. God Bless Him~
Marlene Willauer
January 20, 2015
Thank you, "Elmer," for the joy you brought to our mornings for so many years. I know you are up there hanging out with Jack Smith and all the LA Times and Daily News writers who were there to greet you.
To the Martinez family, I send my condolences and thanks for sharing Al with us.
Lori Olsen
January 17, 2015
I will miss you dear friend; enjoy peace in paradise. God bless you and your beautiful family.
Carol Morrell
January 17, 2015
Al brought warmth, common sense, and humor to our everyday lives - both in words and in person. And he made a rad martini! Never forgotten, always loved.
Sandra Nevarez
January 16, 2015
Al Martinez was a one in a million writer. His craft was incomparable and inspirational. Relatable, witty and honest, he inspired readers for decades. We'll miss him, but his mark lives on.
g. garcia
January 15, 2015
So Very Sad to hear of Al's passing. His writing style and wit will truly be missed. What an opportunity to share your columns. Al, you are one of a kind..
Dafne Pinon
January 15, 2015
Siento mucho por el terrible dolor que están pasando, sin embargo no existe mejor consuelo que el que proviene de Dios, es por eso que quiero compartir con ustedes la maravillosa esperanza escrita como garantía en la Palabra de Dios: "Y limpiara toda lágrima de sus ojos, y la muerte no será más, ni existirá ya más lamentó ni clamor no dolor" (Revelación 21:4). Les deseo lo mejor a toda la familia en estos tiempos de duelo.
January 14, 2015
Whenever I needed a laugh I would go to one of Al's colums. I grew up in LA and he always make me feel like I was home
Carol Schmitz(Pittsford NY)
Jerry Rubin
January 14, 2015
Al was a great writer and caring human being. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Suzanne Lewis
January 13, 2015
I met Al in 1992. He attended a Candlelight Vigil I held for a Taft H.S. student who was killed. Al wrote about the senseless death of Lamon Thames and how senseless violence impacts the community. We became friends from that day on. I was so happy when he found Facebook and I could read his musing or send him mine. I will miss his wit and humor the most. I know that he was in pain the last year...Al you will be greatly missed. Thanks for the laughs. Rest in Peace.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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