| For Immediate Release June 16, 2004 |
Contact: Regino Martinez 206.335.8355 |
Seattle—On June 14, 2004, Samuel Martinez, one of the most durable and beloved Latino leaders in the state of Washington, died unexpectedly while traveling with an environmental justice delegation in New Mexico. A man of compassion, dedication and humility, he was well-known and respected locally, nationally and internationally. Born in 1937, he was 66 years old at the time of his death.
Martinez’s struggle for justice and equality spans four decades. His relentless pursuit of justice for all began during the 60s, particularly during the now famous grape boycott championed by César Chávez and the United Farm Workers Union. Following the successful boycott, he stayed active in farm worker issues, participating nearly 40 years later in public education forums, marches and demonstrations. He was committed to helping students understand and learn from history, and to be part of history-making.
In the mid-60s, Martinez played a key role in breaking the racial boundaries at the University of Washington as one of the first hired to do outreach to Latinos and other people of color. He was active on several national boards, including National Head Start. In rural Sunnyside, Wash., where he went to high school in the late 50s, he served there as a school board member in the late 80s.
He was a founding member of the early Mexican-American Foundation, Northwest Rural Opportunities, and El Centro de la Raza. He participated in or helped establish several state and local organizations and institutions like SeaMar Community Health Centers, Consejo Counseling and Referral Services, Concilio for the Spanish Speaking, Latino/a Educational Achievement Projec, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan (MECHA)—UW, and Yakima Valley Community College.
Among many accomplishments, he was father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor and friend. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Maria, 13 children, 7 brothers and sisters, and dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Smith Funeral Home and St. Joseph’s Church in Sunnyside, WA, on Saturday June 19 at 8 a.m.
Contact 206.335.8355 for more information.
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