Chris Martinez

November 1, 1951 - July 30, 2016

Chris “Animal” Martinez Chris “Animal” Martinez, age 64 of Orem, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Dock Flat Camping Grounds near Strawberry Reservoir, Utah. Chris was born November 1, 1951 in Durango, Colorado. As a small child he moved to Orem, Utah with his family. Chris attended schools in Orem and graduated from Orem High School. Chris enjoyed spending summers with his family in East Carbon and Durango, Colorado as he grew up. During his youth he enjoyed participating in different sports, he was involved in track and field, he ran fast and was great at the shot put. He also boxed at Stan’s Boxing Club and won many awards for his boxing talents. Chris had various employments over the years, he worked for the City of Orem as a landscaper for the Parks Department. He also worked in housekeeping and maintenance for Mesa Vista and Provo Care Center. Chris loved working outdoors and working with the Developmentally Disabled Individuals. During his employment with Orem City, he was awarded with a plaque for his unselfish act of courage for helping an elderly lady, who was accidently being dragged by her car. Chris was able to quickly jump into the moving car and stop it, before the woman was severely injured. At the time of his death Chris was retired for disability due to his on going battle with diabetes, heart disease and end stage renal disease. Chris was given a wonderful gift of a kidney from his sister Elaine in 2004. This gave him a beautiful 10 years of extended life and during that time 5 more grandchildren were born and he was able to enjoy so many more years with his family. Chris suffered amputations, surgeries and many hospitalizations during his battle. He was remarkably strong and stayed active through the end of his life. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Ida; children, Chris (Cassie) Martinez, Angelina (Efrain) Juarez, Sarah (Robert) Thorne, Daniel Martinez, Heidi Gonzalez; parents, Johnny and Rose Martinez; brother and sisters, Dorthy (John) Scott, Elaine (Kent) McDonald, Anthony (Kathy) Martinez, and John Martinez Jr.; 13 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Abigail Thorne. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Davita Dialysis, Revere Health, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and Utah Valley Specialty Hospital and their staff for all the excellent care he received during his battle with health conditions. Graveside Services will be Saturday, August 6th, at 11:00 am, at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 N 800 E, Orem, Utah. A Viewing will be held prior, at Utah Valley Mortuary, 1966 West 700 North, Lindon, Utah, from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.