BENJAMIN DE GUZMAN MARTINEZ

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BENJAMIN DE GUZMAN MARTINEZ April 1, 1941 January 25, 2019 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Benjamin Martinez, on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the age of 77. Ben was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Virginia; his children, Rowena (Ron), Nestor (Rachel), Ronald, Kim (Adam); and his grandsons, Nicklas, Joshua, Delwyn, John, and Eduardo. He was also looking forward to the birth of his first granddaughter in March. Ben was predeceased by his infant son, Dennis; and parents, Francisco and Manuela Martinez. Benjamin also leaves behind numerous relatives in the Philippines and his sister, Precy (Tony), along with so many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours. Benjamin was one of 13 children to Francisco and Manuela Martinez. He grew up in Mandaluyong, Philippines, graduated from Don Bosco Technical School, and attended Far Eastern University, where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1973. Ben took pride in putting himself through university with hard work and determination. These values were passed on to his children, setting the foundation to help them realize their hopes and dreams. In 1970, he met the love of his life, Virginia, and they married on January 7, 1973. Together, with their children, Rowena and Nestor, the young family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1977. Shortly after, Ben and Virginia welcomed two more children, Ronald and Kimberly. Ben began working for Canadian National Railway in 1978 as a heavy duty mechanic. He retired in 2002 and spent his retirement years doing the things he loved such as watching his favourite TV shows (Three's Company and Wheel of Fortune) and tinkering in his workshop, usually creating stainless steel masterpieces. Ben was truly a jack-of-all-trades; those who knew him could rely on him to fix anything. His happiest times were spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to Ben. He treasured Sunday night family dinners, the annual Derby Day, and any event as long as it involved spending time with his loved ones. Lamay/Viewing will be held at Mosaic Funeral Home, 1839 Inkster Blvd., on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Funeral mass to follow at St. Edward's Church, 836 Arlington St., on Thursday, January 31, at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log on to www.mosaicfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2019