44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF GERONIMO (JERRY) MARTINEZ.

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez was born on April 13, 1913 in Ancon, New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, his parents were Jose Maria Martin and Abelina Sandoval; and

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez was a life-long farmer in Velarde, New Mexico, where he lived all his life; and

WHEREAS, as a farmer, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez took extreme pride in maintaining his apple orchard, where he gathered his family every year to sort and shine apples; and

WHEREAS, one of the highlights of Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez's career was his thirty-two years of service in the New Mexico state legislature, where he served as sergeant-of- arms for the New Mexico state senate for the past nine years; and

WHEREAS, he was a life-long democrat who was very active in democratic party politics; and

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez also served as commissioner and mayordomo in la Acequia del Medio y la Acequia de los Chicos; and

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez is survived by six children, fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and three sisters; and

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez had a strong belief in tradition and culture and maintained a very strong sense of family as exemplified by his insistence on family gatherings and reunions; and

WHEREAS, Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez died on January 15, 2000 and is missed very much by his family;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez be remembered as a wonderful father, exceptional grandfather and great-grandfather, respected public servant and a stellar human being; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of Geronimo (Jerry) Martinez's family.