Joseph Samuel Martinez
July 12, 1954 - July 19, 2022
Joseph Samuel Martinez passed away peacefully in his home on July 19, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on July 12,1954 in Durango, Colorado to Jose Onesimo Martinez, Jr. and Arabella Martinez. He was married to Joyce Ann Vandergriff, later divorced; but remained good friends. He served honorably during the Vietnam era in the U.S. Army. He dedicated himself for 37 years at the V.A. Hospital serving and caring for fellow veterans. He was especially fond of serving in the O.R. where he was well liked, known as the practical joker and organized many social events for the hospital. Halloween and Groundhog day were his holidays!
Sam, a gifted artist, received an associate in commercial art and won the cartoonist award for the state of Utah. His design for the Salt Lake V.A. Hospital logo was selected and used for many years. His love of art was shared with many in various forms.
He was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan and a proud stockholder/owner. His dream was fulfilled when he was able to enjoy a live Monday night game at Lambeau Field.
He is survived by his sister Sarah Howard, brother Michael (Ann) Martinez , daughter Nicole (Alex) Tanner, sons Danny (Holly) Lujan, Beau Lujan. Grandchildren Anthony, Jordan, Morgan, (Michael), Kalob, Kylie, CJ, Luke, James and Lizzy and great granddaughter, Mia. He loved his nieces and nephews. And wonderful neighbors.
Preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Maryann.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on August 19, 2022 at Stonebridge Golf Club, 4415 Links Drive, West Valley City, UT from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Please wear your Packer gear, or items will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, give someone a hug, take a picture and tell them you love them. My dad was a gentle giant who gave all of himself to those he met, especially his kids and grandkids. Nuestro Querido Hermano… “And if I go, while you’re still here… know that I live on and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart… I will be there” – Colleen Hitchcock
Interment will be on August 19th at Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale.
In Loving Memory
Dear Sam. Im going to miss you so much. Im so very sad that you left us before I got to take you out for birthday lunch...we moon children have to stick together. You were our best house sitter and my favorite OR workmate. I sure miss your holiday parties, and mostly I'll miss you. Love Lorrie Belcher
LORRIE BELCHER
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Sammy and family.... I have loved you kids with all my heart all your lives.. Being your "summer mom" was and is to this day very special times for me. I am sad i have lost one of my little hitos but I know you are together with your parents and grandparents in heaven. I am thankful You got your Biscochitos you wanted so bad! Rest in Peace Sammy ( i can still hear your mommas voice when she said your name) Everyone will Miss you Sammy! Frank and Trinney
Trinney Barela
Rio Rancho, NM
I loved Sam. He gave the BEST hugs. Treated me like he was my big brother and I especially enjoyed working with him at the VA and being on the employee Association with him. Glad he was able to retire and have some personal time before the Lord took him. May He hold Sam in the palm of His had until we are able to join him.
Terrie McWhorter
Roseburg, OR
Very sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I only knew him from seeing him at the VA. He always had a smile for me and was such a kind sole. God Bless, Cheri Lagrange
Cheri LaGrange
Cottonwood Heights, UT
My heart felt condolences to the Martinez family. I had the pleasure of working with Sam for many years in OR/PACU. Sam was always a bright spot in your day, never without a smile and kind words for you. I will always remember Groundhog Day the VA, the Groundhog Day movie on constant loop in the break room thanks to Sam. He will be missed. Candice Harmon
Candice Harmon
Salt Lake City, Ut
Sam was one of the good ones. Always fun to work with and be around. I have known Sam since 2001. I worked with him in the OR for many years. He was a true asset to the department. He was kind and thoughtful. He was also a jokester and he organized most of the pot lucks that we had. I will never forget groundhog day because of him. Sam you will be missed and I am really sorry to hear of his passing.
Julie Stokes
nan, nan
I am so sad to hear about Sam's passing. So many memories. He became one of my first friends 30 yrs ago while working at the VA. He was awesome at organizing our Ground Hog day pot lucks. So many memorable times and stories. He always had a positive attitude no matter what. He will be so missed. I am so thankful to have had him as a good friend; they are hard to find. My sincere condolences to his family.
Robin Vezeau
nan, nan
Sam was one of the best! He has been missed since his retirment as no one could take his place. He worked in research bldg at the VASLCHCS for many years and made good fast friends with those he worked with and supported. I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. He always made my day brighter to see him and his bubbly cheeks and his infectious laugh. He spoke so highly of his family. Please know the employees of Salt Lake City VA, Research Department are thinking of you and mourning his passing. Much Love, Christina Nessler
Christina Nessler
Salt Lake City, UT
My heart is broken. Sam was such a great person! I met him when I worked at the credit union at the VA, then our friendship carried on when I started working at the VA. Sam would make it a point to stop by my office whenever he was at the VA so we could catch up on what was going on in our lives. Always talking about our families and the new additions. He had recently told me about how proud he was that he had become a great grandpa. Being so proud and showing me pictures. I never told him how much it meant for me that after years, he would still take the time to come visit me at my office just to talk. I will miss Sam so much. Sending my love and condolences to the Martinez family.
Lily H.
Salt Lake City, nan
Sending my deepest condolences to Sam's family. It was a great honor to work with Sam at the VA. Even when he was on break he made it a point to check in with everyone who passed by. His smile, laugh and kindheart will be forever missed.
Tori Anglin-Foote
Salt Lake City, UT
Condolences to the Martinez family. Sam was such a kind person, always taking the time to help a Veteran along the way. He will be deeply missed by his VA family.
Sally Rich
SLC, Ut
Dear Sam, What a joy you were to work with, and to share great teamwork with you. I was just informed that you had passed by Mike. You know I live in AZ. So I don't get the VA news anymore. We were all like a family and you were the Head of the household when it came to the OR lunch parties! You made the best Cornbread ever and the yummiest baked potatoes! I cried when I heard but I should be happy that I know, that you are at peace in the right place. My condolences to the family. No one could miss you as much as they do. The world would be a better place if more people were like you Sam. You will be missed but the memory of your smile and laughter will live on always! Sincerely Judy Duersch
Judy Duersch
Mesa, Ar