SENATE MEMORIAL 3

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCE OF THE SENATE ON THE PASSING OF BENJAMIN "BENNIE" O. MARTINEZ.

     WHEREAS, Benjamin "Bennie" O. Martinez was born on November 3, 1920 in Chimayo; and

     WHEREAS, Bennie died on December 16, 2003; and

     WHEREAS, he was raised in Chimayo, the second son in a pioneer family; and

     WHEREAS, his grandfather was the first postmaster in Chimayo; and

     WHEREAS, Bennie was proud of being a part of the "greatest generation" and of his service in the army air corps during World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy and receiving the American theater service ribbon, European Africa Middle Eastern service ribbon, good conduct medal and victory medal; and

     WHEREAS, he kept in contact with many of his army buddies and attended several reunions; and

     WHEREAS, Bennie was a model husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and his smile and strong, quiet and solid presence will be greatly missed; and

     WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his son, police officer Isaac "Ike" Martinez; his parents, Bonifacio and Epifania Martinez; and his brother Celedonio Martinez; and

     WHEREAS, Bennie is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Martinez; sons Robert, and his wife, Judi, and Ron; and his daughter, Vivian Frietze, and her husband, Jose;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that condolences be expressed on the passing of Benjamin "Bennie" O. Martinez a loving and devoted New Mexican; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Elizabeth Martinez.