PETE MARTINEZ

1961 - 2018

Pete Martinez passed from this life on Sunday, December 10th, at his winter home in Hockley, Texas. He was born to Pete and Isabel Martinez on May 20, 1961 in Casper, WY. Pete will be remembered for his bigger than life personality, charm, big smile and generous heart as well as being a gifted musician and singer/songwriter. These traits along with his spectacular voice made him a much-loved country music performer who over the years played most every music venue in the greater Denver area. His voice with its rich timbre, filled music halls, concert venues and churches around the world and serenaded riders at trail ride campfires, including those of the Roundup Riders of the Rockies. His five albums, all recorded in Nashville will keep him alive in many households and on digital music players around the world. His song, "We Thank You" was written for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. He performed the song on Normandy Beach twice during D-Day remembrances. He was asked to write a song, which he titled "The Horse" for the movie "Horse Sense". These songs, along with his gospel album "In Gratitude" and his country music albums are a major part of the legacy of a man rich in talent and rich in heart. Passionate about music, family and friends, Pete focused on making a difference first to his family, then his community and then the world. Donating his time and singing talent he helped many non-profits raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. His work in developing water resources in the West had a positive impact for both ranchers and numerous front-range communities. Growing up in Wyoming, Pete developed a love for horses, the outdoors and being part of ranch culture. He learned to ride bulls along the way, making his last ride at the National Western Stock Show in 1984. He attended the University of Wyoming and eventually moved to the Denver-metro area where he lived for the last 30 plus years. He married Bonnie Vivian in 2015. Pete and Bonnie cherished a strong family bond with his son, Ryan, wife Becky and their children Jadyn and Liam. Pete is survived and his passing mourned by his wife, Bonnie Martinez, mother Isabel, brother Anthony (wife Jolene) sister Sandra Dickson (husband Dustin) and Pete's son Ryan, wife Becky and grandchildren Liam and Jadyn. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Pete Martinez. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 13th at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Donations may be made to the Pete and Bonnie Martinez Scholarship Fund at Bootstraps, an Evergreen non-profit which Pete has generously supported with benefit concerts over the past few years. Donations can be made on-line at: bootstrapsinc.org.