Today, I have the honour of reintroducing you to Feliz Jose Martinez —better known to many as “APA”.

Born March 3, 1928. Son of Jose and Carmen, brother of Jorge, Pedro, Marisol, Brígida, Husband to Felipa, Father of six children, 17 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, friend and storyteller to all else who meet him.

We are here today to remember the life and legacy he leaves on the earth.  It was a long and simple life: never complex and always with good, honest intentions.

I would like to reflect on the person Grandpa was. 

I could stand here for the better part of the day and reminisce about all the stories grandpa was either part of or he told, and for those who knew Grandpa, you understand how long those stories could be.

We will cover some of those, but overall I would like to remember the person grandpa was and what he has done for everyone he met.

Grandpa was above all else a family man, followed very closely by storyteller. 

He had the ability to have a witty comeback for almost any conversation, something that he definitely passed on to everyone in the family. 

You never knew what little pun he had just waiting for the conversation, but you knew there would be one, followed by that smile and laugh you just knew he loved to show off.

Family man is a term not appreciated nearly enough these days.  Today, there is more emphasis put on who we are and what we accomplish.  Grandpa though, was the epitome of how great and unselfish it is to put those in your family first.

Grandma and Grandpa never asked for much.  They drove plain, simple vehicles, lived in a modest home, and never took anything in life for granted.

Grandma and Grandpa put everyone in their family first. He is so much a part of who we are that even though we knew he would one day leave us, I can’t quite believe he is gone.

APA Feliz —you impacted our lives in so many ways. 

You shaped who we are. You shaped our children are. You influenced all of us so greatly. 

We will always love you and save a special place of our heart to keep you with us.  

And I know we will miss you every day of our lives.