Victor Martinez

1966 - 2014

Victor Martinez
04/07/66 - 03/25/14
Our bad ass dad and grandpa, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
Born Victor Martinez on April 7, 1966 to Jake LeRoy and Clara Martinez in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a child, Victor enjoyed playing outside with his brother Lee, sisters Helen and Veronica and neighborhood friends. He would have fun riding bikes, playing sports and getting into trouble. Victor took pride in being raised in Rose Park and attending West High School. During his High School years, he enjoyed athletics, especially wrestling. It was on the wrestling team that he made many of his lifelong friends that were with him in the good times and the bad. Even as adults they all still managed to raise hell and have fun doing it, just like the good old days.
Victor married his high school sweetheart, Michelle "Ikie" Abbott on August 3, 1984. They began their married life young, but they loved each other and together they raised their family. Even after "Ikie's" passing in 2007, Victor did not lose the true love he felt for her. Victor continued to support and raise his children as a single father. Victor worked very hard to provide for his family giving them all they needed and wanted. He was employed at CL's Body Shop, Rubber Supply and later for Salt Lake City Corporation. Aside from his full time job he always worked odd jobs in his trades of body and paint, welding, fabrication and mechanics.
Victor enjoyed to be outdoors whether it was camping, riding ATV's, hunting, fishing, boating or riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. It was in his passion for Harley's that he was a proud member of the Baron's motorcycle club for five years. He also liked going the sand dunes, lakes, cruising around town and watching movies at the drive-in.
Victor was very interested in custom cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed going to car shows to see the low riders, hot rods, mini trucks, choppers and bikes. He enjoyed overhauling cars and motorcycles. When he wasn't working on one of his special projects, he liked watching TV shows about them with his kids.
Most of all, Victor loved spending time with his children, Anthony, Nicole, Meranda and Alexia. He wanted to teach them all he could and tell them how much he loved them. He was always showing how proud he was at all their sporting events, school activities and special occasions. He was always there when his kids needed him.
Victor is survived by his son, Anthony Martinez; daughters, Nicole, Meranda and Alexia Martinez; grand-daughter, Brija Borjas; nephew, Patrick Martinez; father, Jake Martinez; brother, Lee Martinez, and sister, Veronica Martinez and his niece, aunt, uncles and many cousins.
Victor is preceded in death by his wife Michelle Martinez; mother, Clara Martinez; and sister, Helen Martinez.
Victor's family would like to extend their thanks to Doctor's Lewis, Morris and Cochran and all the nurses and staff at the University of Utah Burn Trauma Unit for their care and support.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 1040 West 400 South. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Neil O'Donnell Mortuary, 372 East 100 South. There will not be a Rite of Committal following the Mass.