Dick Fred Martinez

Richard ‘Fred’ Martinez was born January 16th, 1936, in Alamosa, Colorado to Francis Vigil-Martinez and Ben Martinez. He was the second eldest among seven siblings Lora, Richard, Alice, Videla, Gloria, Ernie, Kenny, and Joyce. The vivacious family moved to Rupert, Idaho when Richard was 14 years of age and shortly on to Ogden, Utah where much of his family still resides. Richard had a son Karl Erikson in 1958. Richard moved back to Rupert after meeting and marrying Deanne Kershisnik on January 16th, 1961. He met Jesus in 1962 and was known for his love for reading the Bible. He worked at the local potato plant and later became a certified welder and then worked and retired from the Amalgamated Sugar Company.

Dick was known to be creative and generous. He could be found in his shop where he tinkered with cars and created anything and everything out of metal such as spoon rings and belt buckles, car parts, and knifes. He also loved to ride motorcycles and fishing. Dick expressed his love for his children through gifts, face-lifting ponytails, hooky-bobbin, sleigh rides on a car hood pulled by a horse, and many fish burgers and fries. His children vividly remember spending time with their dad while preparing cars for painting and automotive work.

If not obvious already from his parenting, Richard was an adventurous grandfather. His grandchildren recall unexpected adventures on speed boats and lessons in shaping dangerous, sharp objects such as swords. Although, he was also known to enjoy a calm, simple picnic at Smith Food King with family. Richard was proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard was diagnosed with Cancer in 2020, during this time he spent with family

Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday October 12, 2020, at the Apostolic House of prayer. Services are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary