Gary Luke Martinez 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 1, 2015.
Gary was born October 3, 1945 in Evanston, Wyoming to Luke and Juanita “Birch” Martinez.
Gary was raised in various railroad towns throughout Wyoming – where ever his dad’s work was.
Gary loved the freedom of the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman. As a child, Gary was taught the art of fly fishing by his father. During high school Gary was a star athlete; mainly track and football.
Gary was a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1965, Gary was drafted into the Navy and served on the USS Ogden LPD-5. He served until 1967. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal (2 Stars) and the Vietnam Campaign Metal (with Device).
Gary worked various jobs throughout his life such as working on ranches, mines, trapping, outfitting and painting the high iron in New York City and Brooklyn. Gary worked as a professional painter until he began his career at Montana State Fund where he eventually retired.
On July 20, 2002 Gary married the love of his life, Lila which blended two families. The entire family loved camping and fishing and spending time together. Gary was previously married to Sally Cohen and they lovingly raised three children; Renee, Jennifer and Sean.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Juanita, his brother Tim and his beloved dog Minnie.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Lila, daughters Renee (Todd) Pocha, Jennifer Martinez, Amie (Jason) Honeycutt and sons, Sean Martinez and Casey McAlpin and his cherished dog, Buster.
His grandchildren are Cassie Pocha, Breanna Pocha, Shawn Pocha, Kaden Martinez, Emry Martinez, Taylor Martinez, Madelynn Honeycutt, Grace Honeycutt, Ellie Honeycutt, Lauren Honeycutt and 2 week old Luke (Gary’s namesake) Honeycutt.
Gary considered his religion to be the great outdoors and the creatures that lived within his treasured mountains.
Gary had a difficult time leaving this world because he was worried that the love of his life, Lila and his grandchildren would miss him too much. Gary used to say “Love you to the moon and back”.
Gary is fishing the big river in heaven and smiling down on his family with his wry smile.
A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. If friends or family wish to bring food there will be a pot-luck reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Gary’s name are suggested to the Montana Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., P.O. Box 1798, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday December 7, 2015
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 7, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday December 7, 2015
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diane Pedersen says
Lila and family,
My heart goes out to you at such a difficult time. I know the pain you are in right now. You will never get over this feeling but time will help you cope and be strong. With deepest sympathy. Diane
Steve Kaiser says
Dear Jen & Martinez Family,
I’m so saddened to hear the the passing of your dad, Gary. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.
Thinking of all of you wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
With deepest sympathy.
Love and light,
Steve Kaiser
Tom & Bridget Disburg says
Lila, Shawn, Jenny and Renee,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will deeply miss Gary and we will always cherish our memories of him.
Tom & Bridget
Michelle says
Lila, Jenny and Renee and families.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of such a kind man. Always a smile on his face. He always made your day. Hugs and prayers sent your way.
Lori Cross says
Gary had the kindest soul and biggest heart of anyone I’ve met. He will be missed. I expect by now he’s located the best fishing hole heaven has to offer…the thought makes me smile.
Phyllis McDonald says
Lila and family, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one, Gary. What a great guy he was to work with. May memories of him comfort you at this difficult time.
Jo Mackay says
Gary was the most wonderful guy I have had to pleasure to know. He was gentle, kind, humorous (oh boy) and a great husband to my dear friend Lila. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Inez Slayman says
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go to you Lila and family at this very difficult time. Gary was a wonderful man. Working with him, he taught me how you should fly fish. I still have a few of the special flies that he made for me. May the wonderful memories you spent with him give you some comfort now. Take care.
Sheryl Semans says
Lila and Family:
My heart aches for all of you. Gary had such a wonderful personality it was fun to be around him. Carry that memory with you as you work thru your grief and loss. He may not be here physically, but he most definitely is watching over all of you – this time without any pain! Lean on each other as you make your way forward in life. Prayers to all of you! GARY – you are missed! Take care all!
Bob Pennington says
I Had the opportunity to work with Gary at MT State Fund. We had fun shaking the place up and getting in trouble together! He was an awesome guy and will be greatly missed. You are all in my prayers.
Bridger veterinary hospital says
To All of Gary’s family,
Gary was a very special person, such a wonderful man. His smile and his great sense of humor will be greatly missed. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time.
We’re going to miss you Gary.
From Keith, Shar, Steve, and the staff at Bridger Vet Hospial
We
Rosanne and Russ Noonan says
Lila and family,
Our hearts go out to all of you during this time of grief . May you share many memories of the happy, joyful times together. Lila and Gary took care of each other, and radiated a love for each other, loaded with humor, laughter, joy, and a genuine respect for one another. It was a pleasure and we are grateful that we got to experience being around this loving couple. We will miss Gary’s gentle spirit, smile, goodness, beautiful eyes, and honesty. May you all remember these beautiful qualities. We are here for you Lila. I will miss this great big, bigger than life Teddy Bear. Thank you for shring him, Lila! Peace and understanding.
Nanette Preszler says
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary always had a wonderful smile and always so pleasant. He had a heart of gold. I wish you and your family comfort in the love you knew and will always know together.
Tim & Sioux Roth says
Sean and Family:
We are so sorry to hear about Gary passing. May you delight in the memories left for your heart. May thoughts of him, bring a smile to your face and surround you with love when you need it the most. Peace.
Paula Downey says
Dear Jen & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was one of my favorite co-workers, he was always a bright spot in my days at State Fund. I feel blessed to have known him. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Jenn and Rob Furtney says
Rene, Jen, Sean and families;
I was heartsick to hear this news. Your Dad was an amazing man with a kind, gentle soul. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile as big as his heart. I didn’t see him often, but each time I did he would have a great story to share of one you or your children. He loved all of you with every ounce of his being! I hope you find comfort in your many memories with him. He will be deeply missed. Love and Prayers to you all
Cecelia Robinson says
Lila and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary was always a wonderful guy to share a moment with at work. Always a sparkle in his eyes. He has his pick of all the best fishing holes now. When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. With deepest sympathy,
Cec Robinson
Carol Athearn says
Lila and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a sweet guy to work with. I don’t recall him ever complaining or uttering a mean word about work or people he had to deal with. He was always happy and had a smile on his face. I was proud to work with him. Remember your fond memories and know that you were blessed to be his family. With deepest sympathy to you all.
Carol Athearn
Steph Pocha says
Rene’ and all the family.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to you for God’s unfailing love and His mercy and grace. We live you.
Catie Poteet says
To The Martinez Family I have grown to love over the last 2 yrs. Gary was a wonderful man who accepted me with open arms. He had some wonderful stories and I am thankful that I was able to enjoy a weekend of camping with him this summer when he helped Taylor catch 2 fish just the 2 of them. I told Sean that I smile when I think about him because the last conversation we had was about the petrified poop he had t home and all the things he had done and found in his many years of life. You will be cherished forever Gary and your stories will never be forgotten and will always bring a smile to my face. Love you Gary!
Raven Smith says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was such a kind person and so pleasant to be around. His love of fly fishing was what I remember talking to him about. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Travis and Kelsey Bronson says
To the entire Martinez family
Our love goes out to all of you. Your dad was an amazing man and it always warmed my heart whenever I saw him. The amazing smile, hug and hand shake I always got from him will be deeply missed . I grew up with this great man and his family and can say he raised some amazing kids, who all have a heart of gold, just like their dad. We are all better for having had the opportunity to know this great man. Love you all!!!
Mark Bartosik says
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Gary, and talking about fishing strategy and the best fishing holes.
Just two guys visiting. Nothing to hide. It was refreshing to hear him speak so highly of his wife and family.
Jill Larson says
So sorry for your loss Lila. I’ll always remember the smile had on his face when he worked at MSF.
My prayers to you and your families. May God hold you tenderly in this difficult time.
Wayne and Paula Dillavou says
Lila and family: So sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I enjoyed his company. Gary always brought a smile to my face…a great guy will be missed. My prayers go out to you and yours.
Erin LaFromboise says
Martinez Family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am saddened to know that Gary has left us all too soon. I remember him as a very caring, loving, and soft spoken man whom loved his family very much. I hope you find peace in the many wonderful memories of your father, husband, friend, and grandfather.
Blessings,
Erin
Dale DeHart says
Lila and the Martinez family,
I was very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing.
We hadn’t spent much time together lately but I will always remember the times we did have together. He was very patient teaching me how to use a fly rod and I am happy I could
give him a laugh or two on those days. I wish we could have done that more often.
I’ll be missing you buddy.
Kelly Stanley-McNurlin says
Lila and Family,
I am so saddened to read about Gary. I will always remember him from STF and I remember him as always happy, and ALWAYS smiling! God Speed Gary. Wishing much Love, Comfort, Peace, and Strength to Lila and the family. Be comforted that just his presence brought brightness to the lives he touched!
Kelly
Tracy Denler says
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked on a temporary job many years ago and he was always so kind one of the most kindest person I have ever met. Always had a smile on his face. Many prayers to you Lila and the rest of the family.
Tracy
Kim Pelo says
Lila & Family,
Losing Gary is such a great loss to so many because he touched so many lives and was so open and welcoming to all. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how proud of his fossilized dinosaur dung he was. Such a funny man! He was always so wonderful. Please know you are in my prayers!! I am here Lila for you!! Take care of each other as you remember and say goodbye to this wonderful man! Hugs!! Kim