Date of death: 5/9/2014
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1958
Frank V. Martφnez, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed on to eternal life on May 9th 2014. Frank died peacefully at his home in Bothell, surrounded by his family and friends. Frank was born in Taos, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloy and Onofre Martφnez; sisters, Vangie Martφnez and Tina Arguello. Frank is survived by Esther, his devoted wife of 45 years; daughter, Clarisa Becker and husband, Gary; and son, Frank D. Martφnez; granddaughters, Olivia and Maya Roberts; sisters, Carlotta (Martφn) Fischer, Carlyda Stribling, Cathy Wolfe; brother, Eloy (Martha) Martφnez; many nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He was the former Executive Director of the Valley Migrant League in Oregon, which served migrant and seasonal farm workers with education, health services, housing, and employment opportunities. Frank organized the first ôPoor PeopleÆs Conferenceö in the early 1970Æs and helped many people throughout his lifetime as an avid community organizer. Frank retired as a Deputy Director from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights in 1999. He felt his last year in government was especially gratifying, working on a Drug Prevention Program, lecturing at schools throughout the state. He enjoyed gardening, reading poetry, philosophy and Spanish literature. He was a good athlete and excelled at playing tennis. Frank loved spending time with his family and friends; especially sharing his prized book of poems written by his adoring granddaughters. Special Thanks to Tricia Reynolds, from Boise, Idaho, who came to help care for Frank during his last days. The family also wishes to acknowledge Stephanie & Matt Roberts, Bill & Leah Collins, Nan Stultz, Group Health Hospice staff, all family, friends and neighbors who have supported us in so many heartfelt and generous ways