Dennis Jay Martin

Dennis Jay Martin, 81, of Rio Rancho New Mexico, died peacefully on May 5th, 2022.  He was predeceased by his father Don (Daurice) Martin and mother Lillian Bledowski.  He leaves behind his beloved wife of  32 years, Rebecca Martin, his sister Barbara Colville, his cherished children Christopher Martin and Heather Torok (Gabriel), Sean Murphy (Kimberly) and Patrick Victorino (Yvonne).  His five grandchildren were his pride and joy; Brianna Reynolds, Christy Higgins (Reece), Alexa Martin, Julia Torok and Graham Torok. Dennis also leaves behind a large and loving network of Acoma family (Aunts Pearl Valdo and Ida Madalena), friends from New Mexico, and friends from across the US and Europe.

Born in Chicago, Dennis grew up in Dearborn MI.  He was industrious from the start, with a Detroit Free Press paper route that funded his high school education in Canada.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1958, honorably discharged in 1961. He attended Michigan State  graduating in1965, and began a sales career with Caterpillar Lift Trucks from 1966-1988.  He spent 13 years in western Europe enjoying the culture, working and traveling throughout Europe and North Africa, and becoming a proud Francophile. During a second career he and Becky owned Bear Creek Gallery in Indianapolis, Indiana, selling Native American and Southwest art and decor.

He will be remembered for his strong opinions, balanced with quick wit and a good sense of humor.  He enjoyed a good and cheap glass of wine, any kind of joke, talk radio, a proper dart game, and the ability to organize anything he could.  He was an avid collector including antique oil cans, flasks, and a large collection of remote controls, that he hung on a tree in the front yard! He loved to travel, tinker creatively in the garage, and brag about his friends and family.

A four day ceremony will be held with immediate family on Sunday May 8th. 

In lieu of flowers we invite memorial donations to the Acoma Department of Education Foundation - https://acomadoe.org/acoma-education-foundation/  or by mail:  P.O. Box 307 Pueblo of Acoma, NM 87034 (C/O Dr. Melissa Riley)