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Ernie Martinez Obituary
February 6, 1953 - April 16, 2007
Ernie Martinez of Modesto, CA, passed away in his home on Sprowl Creek Road in Garberville on Monday April 16, 2007, of suspected heart failure. Loved ones remember Ernie as a charismatic and likeable person, a hard worker, a generous giver, a teacher, and a historian.
Ernie was raised in Rio Dell; he attended Fortuna High School, class of 1971. In his youth, he enjoyed surfing off the northern coast of California. He was also fond of Nascar racing, the Raiders football and the A’s baseball.
Ernie was the father of three children: Jesse, Sarah, and Connie Martinez and one grandchild, Micheala Shanea McMahan born May 5, 2004. Ernie is an important patriarch to his daughter, Connie, whom he raised as a single parent from the time she was five, and his dog Tanner, who always sat shotgun in his rig.
Ernie had a deep connection with this land and a broad knowledge of local Native American history. He had an amazing ability to find arrowheads and artifacts; his impressive collection of artifacts brought him pride and joy. He was especially fond of his ranch on Elk Ridge, Trailblazer Ranch.
Ernie’s career as a heavy machinery operator leaves behind a triumphant legacy that we should all take a moment to appreciate. His ability to move earth was nothing short of artistic. He worked for many years with Whitethorn Construction and he was instrumental to the successful formation of the Southern Humboldt Community Park; both of these organizations mourn the loss of a friend. We honor you for a lifetime of achievements and we thank you for your friendship.
Services will be held at the Southern Humboldt Community Park in Garberville on Friday April 27, 2007, at 4:30 pm. Please bring pictures to display, and stories to tell during the gathering.
Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernie Martinez
Andrea Bishop
April 29, 2007
Dear Family and close friends of Ernie's, Ernie was a dear friend many many moons ago and has always remained, 'one of my favorite people'. I wish to all of you, and especially those closest to Ernie now, the strength of a thousand generations as you adjust to your life after this loss . Ernie's sweet soul was a gift to us here on earth and I am grateful to have been one of the people to know it.
Alexis and Mickie Harris
April 26, 2007
Connie and Sarah;
Mom just told me the news about your "daddy." My heart hurts knowing how you girls must feel. I can't tell you enough how sorry I am. I am going to remember the time when you "Connie",and your dad lived in Bridgeville just up on the hill from us, and I fell, and scraped my knee, your dad bandaged up my knee and said " You sure you can live? We might have to amputate." I still remember that,because it made me laugh. What a great personality he had...Keeping you girls in our thoughts, and hearts during this sad time.
Alexis and Mickie Harris
PETE MEYER
April 26, 2007
Connie,
My thoughts of sympathy go out to you and your family.
Pete Meyer
TERRY AND SHARON EDGMON
April 25, 2007
To my dear friend Lydia,
we are so very sorry to hear about Erie.Ernie like we all know was a great guy. He was one that would go the extra mile to help out a friend in need. Terry and I use to have him come over to our dairy and we would spend hours with him just sitting around talking about our younger days and all the fun that we use to have. Memories that we will treasure for always.
Our deepest sympathy to you Lydia and your family
Terry and Sharon Edgmon
kris moore
April 25, 2007
This old world needs more people like Ernie, with his old school manners and charming way, not one less. truly a sad sad day when he left us here on Earth. may his family find all the love and support they need at this time from his friends and their memories of a wonderful wonderful man.
Linda Broyles
April 24, 2007
Lydia, Iam sorry to hear about Ernie. the best to you. Linda (Hatten) Broyles
Guy & Vicki Basteyns
April 23, 2007
Ernie was a wonderful guy. Our thoughts are with the family. He will have a lasting memory with all he has left behind.
Kathy Finley
April 23, 2007
To Ernie's family
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Ernie was a great guy with a good soul. It seems like a lifetime has passed since we've seen him but he is one of those people who stays in your mind and heart always. Again, we are so sorry.
Kathy(Hill) & Randy Finley Yoncalla Oregon
Kaleen Fisher
April 23, 2007
Dear family,
Today is a hard day for all of us who knew and loved Ernie. What a wonderful and gentle man. We have so many wonderful memories of you. Our thoughts are with your family today. We will say our good-bys to you on Friday,but you will be with us always. We will miss you Ernie.
Ross and Kaleen Fisher
katie parks
April 22, 2007
ernie & connie my thoughts and love are with you, i will see you fri. I am totally heartbroken over this, wishing you love, peace and gentle healing. I have lost my dearest friend..katie
Sharon (Jordan) Mozzetti
April 22, 2007
Lydia and family: My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I remember all the fun times we had growing up in Rio Dell and how Ernie's beautiful smile and fun loving ways made everyone happy. He was a joy to be around and will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to all of you and I will always remember the beautiful memories Ernie left with all of us. Peace be with him now.
Teri Hopkins Tate
April 21, 2007
Memories of Ernie will stay with me always, he was a sweet guy and loved by all his Rio Dell classmates. Have peace my friend....Love Teri (class of 71)
Marsha Meidinger
April 21, 2007
Lydia, and Ernie's family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember growing up as neighbor's and playing for hours with Ernie. Our thoughts are with you.
Tawny Leonardo
April 21, 2007
To the Family:
I opened the paper and saw that Ernie had died and it hit me like a ton of bricks that fell on my heart. I knew Ernie many years ago. I think of those years and smile. We seems to lose the good ones far to soon. I'm so sorry for your lost and my heart goes out to you. Your in my thoughts and prayers..
Nina & Bruce Williams
April 21, 2007
Ernie, In our brief acquaintance, you became a very special friend. We appreciate all you did for us and the joy and humor you brought to our lives. God Bless you and Tanner.
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