Philip Martinez

Philip Martinez, 92, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died peacefully on August 16, 2013, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Detroit, MI, on December 20, 1920, the eighth of thirteen children of Emilio and Maria Chavez Martinez. Phil was a proud World War II veteran, serving in the Navy for over three years on the battleship USS Arkansas, which saw action on D-Day at Omaha Beach. He also witnessed the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima. After the war, Phil met the love of his life, Jaquelyn Hauck Buck, and they were married on October 5, 1946. Phil received his B.A. and M.A. from Western Michigan University, which he attended on the GI Bill. After one year of teaching elementary school in Battle Creek, he was hired by the Kalamazoo Public Schools, where he worked for the next 34 years. Phil was a teacher, and then a principal, but he spent the majority of his career as Personnel Director, where he oversaw hiring and served as chief labor negotiator for the Kalamazoo School Board. Phil was a founding member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Kiwanis, the UAW, and the Battle Creek Hunt Club. He made friends easily, had a lively sense of humor, and lived every moment to the fullest. Phil had a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including archery, target shooting, sailing his boat, training and riding horses at the Hunt Club, piloting his Mooney airplane, golfing, bowling, and photography. He was an avid and talented woodworker who took pleasure in making furniture and clocks for his friends and family. While Phil's professional and recreational activities were a big part of his life, nothing was as important to him as his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, who enjoyed spending time with the people he loved. He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Buck Martinez; his granddaughter, Margaux Hajek; and eleven of his twelve siblings. He is survived by his wife, Jaquelyn; his children, Philip Fred, Christina, and Margaret (William) Hajek; and his grandchildren, Christine Hajek, Katherine Chapman, Philip Hajek, and Christian Chapman. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Martinez, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Fountains of Kalamazoo (1700 Bronson Way), on Thursday, September 5, 2013, at 1:00 PM. Contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Loaves And Fishes of Kalamazoo, or Ministry With Community. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.avinkcremation.com.