Submitted by his wife

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Martinez was born September 24‚ 1951 in Salinas‚ California. At the time of his death he lived with his wife Lynn and son Jake in Camp Crook‚ SD. He was the Fire Management Officer for Custer National Forest on the Sioux Ranger District.

Jerry dedicated over 30 years of his life to his career with the Forest Service. He worked at various forests and locations throughout the Northwest. Throughout his career Jerry assisted on countless fires in various roles‚ including some time in 1977 as a smokejumper in Redding‚ California. Early on his passion was working in fire‚ later working in supervisor and training positions. Jerry was also instrumental in the research and development of the Huckleberries in the Yakima‚ Washington area. He was proud to have helped with the Columbia Shuttle Mission. During his last years he had become interested in aerial support and had been trained as a Single Engine Air Tanker Manager. He was also in the process of becoming a Maffs Liaison Officer. Jerry was involved in developing Community Wildfire Protection Plans and had helped obtain grants to help the local volunteer fire departments. He was active in training and putting on refresher courses on a local level.

Jerry dearly loved his family and friends and could often be seen extending that love to others in the community. Jerry was intrigued by local history and was always eager to visit with someone about the past. He enjoyed living in the small community of Camp Crook and had many plans for all he could do here upon his retirement.

Jerry passed away in his sleep on Monday‚ July 18‚ 2005. Jerry was in Cortez‚ Colorado on assignment with the U.S. Forest Service‚ managing single engine air tankers. He is survived by his wife Lynn and son Jake Martinez of the family home; his son Gerald ‘Little Jerry’ Martinez of Salinas‚ Ca; Matthew Martinez of Hanford‚ Ca; and one daughter Athena Martinez of Hanford‚ Ca.

Jerry will always be ‘Forever in our Hearts.’