Larry Leonard Martinez

On September 2, 2025, in Polson Montana, at the age of 77, Larry Leonard Martinez was called home to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. Larry was born on June 12, 1948, in Denver Colorado to Leo and Beatrice Martinez. Larry was preceded in death by Leo and Bea Martinez, his sister Carole and his infant son Damian. He is survived by his wife Laurie; daughter Kimberly and son Pete; grandchildren Krystal and Rylynn; great grandchildren Dante, Seagan and Noah; step grandchildren Desiree Wiitala and Joshua Kawamoto; numerous nieces and nephews; brother David and sisters Peggy, Theresa and Madeline.

Larry Martinez stood 6’0 tall and yet to all whom he met he often seemed larger than life. For Larry, honor, respect, loyalty, friendship and love meant everything.

He loved with his whole heart. He had the rare ability to see not only with his eyes but also with his heart because he probably couldn’t hear you, (smile).

He began boxing training at the age of 14 and it was here he acquired the nickname affectionately known as “Speedy”. His hands were so fast his opponent never saw it coming. He had a significant big Golden Gloves match coming up, unfortunately he had a mishap and ended what most likely would have been a championship boxing career.

He was a key player in leading his basketball team to the championship for the National Athletic Association of the Deaf in 1978 as well as the Denver Silent Athletic Club Manager of the Year. In 1983 he was inducted in the Midwest Athletic Association of the Deaf Hall of Fame, for his participation as a player, coach, athletic director and manager of the basketball and softball teams.

He enjoyed a plethora of activities fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, billiards, softball, and his favorite if he was not riding, it was working on his Harley’s.

Larry could be described as a bit of an outlaw, and a little bit of an angel. His love for his brothers in the Sons of Silence goes without saying. He didn't want to be followed but instead encouraged others to forge their own paths.

It was at his job, United States Postal Service, he represented his fellow employees as union steward. It was here that he became the leader advocating for the hearing impaired. His persistence brought about implementing sign language interpreters at the United States Postal Service.

Larry cherished the moments of togetherness; the laughter and the stories he shared with each of us. The off the wall antics of his life were as enigmatic as his smile, a smile like no other. His friendships meant the world to him; he cherished all of you.

Although with all the pain he endured these last few months, it seemed his greatest pain was knowing he had to leave his best friend, the love of his life, Laurie.

Larry will be missed and remembered with love!

• There will be two celebrations of life; one held in Montana and one in Colorado.
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• Montana’s Celebration of life will take place on September 13th at the Lounge (Old South Shore Lounge) in Polson, MT from 1-5 p.m.
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• Colorado’s Celebration of life will take place on September 28th at the Backyard Tap in Loveland, CO from 2-5 p.m.
  • Backyard Tap – 323 Railroad Ave. Loveland, CO 80537