Richard Alfonzo Martinez "Ol Miner"

Richard A. Martinez, the Ol’ Miner, passed away March 28, 2017, in Francis, Utah surrounded by his family.

Rich was born January 28, 1935 in Park City, Utah to Alfonzo and Mabel Mair Martinez at their home in Empire Canyon. He lived his entire life in Park City until health issues forced him to move in with his son in Francis, Utah.

Rich graduated from Park City High School in 1953. Immediately after graduation, he married the love of his life, Leona Hall, on July 3, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple. Rich was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Rich and Leona were blessed with nine children: Deanna (Arlen) Welch, Jana Rae (Tom) Grose, Rick (Carol Lee) Martinez, Clark (Cindy) Martinez, Crae (Cheryl) Martinez, Robyn (Melanie) Martinez, Cori Ann (Roman) Stepek, Trent (Natasha) Martinez, Holly (Kyle) Taylor.

Rich spent his career working in the mines of Park City. He worked for United Park City Mines, and other mining companies, as mine ownership changed. When the mines closed for a short time, he went to work for Chicago Bridge and Iron, where he learned the trade of welding. Through his job at Chicago Bridge, his training at Salt Lake Community College and the years he spent in the mines, Richard learned how to build or fix anything. He used these skills throughout his life - building, fabricating, repairing, and serving others and his community. Many items that Rich made were used in Park City and at the ski resorts, including some of the first chairs on the chair lifts at Treasure Mountain Resort, a drinking fountain on Main Street that Richard made out of a mine drill, and a merry go round that was used at the Marsac Elementary School for many years.

Rich and his Dad owned and operated the “Cozy Tavern” a local watering hole for Park City residents, and worked for decades delivering the Tribune and Deseret News in the Park City area.

Rich loved living in Park City and was proud of his Park City heritage. He was well known in Park City as the Ol’Miner. He was instrumental in the organization of the annual Miner’s Day Mucking and Drilling Competition and competed and placed for over 20 years. When he was no longer able to compete, he served as the emcee for the competition, including last year. Rich served on the Park City City Council for 16 years throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Rich had a story for everyone and an infectious laugh. He loved to tell people about his nine kids, his purple house, his decorations, his sexy legs, and his love of Park City.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, his nine children and their spouses, 30 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild. He is proceeded in death by his parents, sister, Deanna, granddaughter, Lisha Martinez and grandson, Josh Martinez.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 3, 2017, at 11:00 am at the Park City Stake Center 2300 Monitor Drive in Park City. Viewing will be held at the same location Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 6:00– 8:00 pm and Monday from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment will be at the Park City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, our family has decided to honor our Dad through contributions to the Park City Museum. This museum is crucial to preserving the history of Park City….something our Dad held near and dear to his heart. Donations - Park City Museum http://parkcityhistory.org/donate/