Mark "Marky" Andrew Martinez

To know Mark was to know a friend; he never met a stranger. He attended Granger High School (West Valley City, UT) and graduated from Phillips Junior College (Salt Lake City, UT) with a degree in computer programming, but his true passion was food. He delighted diners as the chef aboard the historic Spirit of Washington Dinner Train (Renton, WA) for many years. When the train ceased operations, he donned the chef's toque at HD Hotspurs (Kent, WA) and worked BBQ magic.

Mark was an avid skier, hitting the Black Diamond mogul runs and jumps—his knees paid for it later in life. He shared his love of rock music with friends, family (and neighbors) by playing his electric guitar as loudly as possible. He knew the Bible well and spent reflective time in God's cathedral outdoors. Mark enjoyed fishing and hunting, but most of all he enjoyed being with family.

He is survived by his father Dougless Ray Martinez (Kathy) and mother Carol Jean Bland; his sons Chance and Indigo; sisters Michelle Stoedter (Mike) and Jeana Mar (Darrin); stepbrothers Dustin and Kip; nephews Chris, Michael, Mitchell and Ian; nieces Malerie, Faith and Samantha; great-nieces Millie and Ruby; great-nephew Stokely; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Andrew and Dora Abeyta; grandmothers Mary Dillon and Roleen Speckhart; stepfather Greg Speckhart; aunts Rita, Nadeine, Patricia, Jenny and Pearl; and uncles Harry, Manuel, James and David.

A celebration of Mark's life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Sugar House Garden Center, 1602 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.

The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

"I have heard the big music, and I'll never be the same. Something so pure just called my name."