Fernando Martinez

Fernando “Uri” Martinez, age 84, died December 19, 2019 following a long illness.

Born July 27, 1935 in Los Angeles, California, he was the son of the late Jose and Eva Martinez.

Uri attended John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, California.

He was a veteran of the US Army having served as SP/4.

Uri had been employed as a truck driver, chef, and motorcycle mechanic for 50 years.

He enjoyed the Raiders, the Cardinals, traveling, and his family, and was very classy, funny, and thoughtful. Uri was very dedicated to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always loving, a mentor, and accepting to all.

Uri was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; father, Jose; mother, Eva; son, Shawn, and granddaughter, Jessica.

Uri is survived by his sons, Carey (Robin) Cox of Grand Junction, Colorado, William (Bette) Cox of Salem, Oregon, Uzair “Scott” Ibn Uri of Saudi Arabia, Thomas (Penny) Cox of Everett, Washington, Brian (Mary) Cox of Eugene, Oregon, Joseph (Barbara) Cox of Lake Forest Park, Washington, and Timothy Cox of Garberville, California; sisters, Dana McKeag of Willits, California and Connie Buckingham of Everett, Washington, and his loving, loyal K-9 companion, Jett.

A family gathering will be held at a later date.

Uri’s family would like to thank Victoria Pettygrove, Uri’s caregiver and friend, for her loving care, compassion, and attention for the last two years. The family also thanks two wonderful, faithful, caring, and dedicated special friends; Deb Crooks and Jan Scott. These people made Uri’s days more pleasurable with their visits and excursions.

Thank you to HopeWest. The care they gave was exceptional. The Doctors, Nurses, CAN’s, Social Worker, volunteer barber, and volunteer crochet shawl-maker were always efficient, friendly, compassionate, and attentive.

Please consider making a memorial contribution in Fernando “Uri” Martinez’s name to HopeWest, 3090 N 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506.