April 28, 1942- January 5, 2011

Gilbert R. ”Gil” Martinez of La Pine, Oregon, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the Hospice House in Bend. He was 68.

Recitation of the Rosary was held Friday, January 7, at Baird Memorial Chapel in La Pine. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in La Pine on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Graveside Service at La Pine Community Cemetery. Fathers Jose Mudakodiyil and James Radloff, officiating. Reception will follow at La Pine Senior Center.

Mr. Martinez was born April 28, 1942, in Asherton, Texas, the son of Teodoso A. and Inez (Reyes) Martinez. He was married July 2, 1960, in St. Paul, Oregon, to Corinne Marie Connor. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July! From humble beginnings when Gil picked strawberries and cotton, and bucked potatoes and worked in the hop fields, he worked his way through Barber College and became a licensed barber, eventually owning his own barber shop. After many years, Gil and Corinne saw the opportunity to serve the communities in and around La Pine by purchasing what we know today as Wilderness Garbage and Recycling Service, which they’ve operated for the past 26 years.

He co-founded ”CAN Cancer”, a charity providing assistance to families of cancer patients with non-medical expenses. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in La Pine and enjoyed fishing, hunting and landscaping.

Survivors include his loving wife, Corinne of La Pine, son, Stu Martinez of La Pine; daughter, Shelly (husband, Mike) Powell of Aurora, OR; sisters, Gavina Ruiz of Keizer, OR, Janie Martinez, Gloria Pena, and Lupe Alvarado, all of San Antonio, TX; and four ”grand-puppies”.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Maria Torres.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert’s memory to Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Ct. Bend, OR 97701; or ”CAN Cancer” c/o St. Charles Foundation, 2500 NE Neff Rd., Bend, OR 97701

Baird Memorial Chapel of La Pine, Oregon, served the family (541) 536-5104.