Manuel Martinez Jr., 83

Manuel Martinez Jr., born Jan. 3, 1934, died peacefully at his home in Bigfork, surrounded by family and close friends Jan. 5, 2017. Manuel fought Parkinson’s disease for well over a decade.

Born in Clearwater, California, (Paramount) and raised as a kid during the World War II era of Los Angeles, he was a Korean War veteran and was a master cement mason. He fell in love with the mountains of Colorado and moved his small family out of the city into what would become a pattern of adventure in his travels.

Since 1965 Manuel was an active Jehovah’s Witness, helping countless people, families and communities learn the best way of life — serving Jehovah God. With this dedication came many travels, volunteer/disaster relief work, and he welcomed those in need. Manuel was a storyteller and known for his love of dancing. He and his wife of 60 years, Paula, have lived in Bigfork the last 10 years.

He is survived in death by his wife, Paula Amaro Martinez; daughter, Rebecca, and husband Michael Jones; son, Tom, and wife Jenny Martinez; grandchildren, Tashina Jones Edinger and husband Grant, Oliver Martinez, Lorenzo Martinez, and Paloma Martinez; great-grandchildren, Garrett and Shane Edinger; Manuel’s brother, Edward Martinez; and sisters, Irene Oropeza and Bertha Smith.

Memorial services will to be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Woodland Park Avenue Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kalispell. For questions, call 406-253-1752.