Harold H. Martinez
- 70 years old
- Male
- Born Apr 18, 1938
- Died Jan 08, 2009
- Hacienda Heights , California, United States
About
In Loving Memory of HAROLD H. MARTINEZ
The Martinez Family would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt thanks for your love and support during their most difficult time.
Click on the following link to read a special memorial dedicated to Harold from the LBA: http://www.lbausa.com/eblasts/LBA-eN76-011209.html
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO READ A MESSAGE FROM
RUBEN JAUREGUI 1/14/09:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhh7rz45_22g6zzfbdp&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO READ A MESSAGE FROM BUDDY AND KAY 1/10/09:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhh7rz45_24gshxm6dg&pageview=1&hgd=1&hl=en
Any condolences for Gloria and the rest of the family can be sent to:
Gloria Martinez
c/o Able Industrial Products, Inc.
2006 S. Baker Avenue
Ontario, Ca. 91761
*** Please write "In memory of Harold H. Martinez" in the memo area of your check.
** You may also make your donation on their website: http://uscnorriscancer.usc.edu/support/
As we all know, Harold achieved much in his 70 years on this earth. After going down his list of accomplishments, you will agree that he somehow managed to squeeze 3 lifetimes into one.
He always felt that his greatest accomplishment of all was his family...
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born 1938- Tucumcari, NewMexico
Graduated from Lincoln Adult Night School, 1959
Married to Gloria Martinez, (5) Children, (14) Grandchildren
(6) Great-Grandchildren
Resided in Hacienda Heights, California
FAMILY, FAITH AND HOMELIFE:
Harold's outside interests included spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sports and school activities. His outdoor activities included, swimming, camping and traveling. Another way he relaxed was by going to the movies with his children. Despite his busy schedule, he always had the time for a "fast" card game with his children and grandchildren while at home. Most of all, he enjoyed catching up on the current events of the world. "60 Minutes" was his favorite.
Gloria was the love of Harold's life. She is the great woman behind the great man and the inspiration behind all he accomplished. Harold was a romantic and relished in proving his love and devotion to his beautiful wife, Gloria. At their 50th anniversary celebration, he stood before her and all of their guests and serenaded his wife with a beautiful love song. Even after more than 53 years of marriage, he would still sneak away, have a picture taken of himself and sign, at the bottom right corner, "To Gloria, My one true love, Harold". He would then leave the picture for Gloria as a gift. Gloria was Harold's everything and this kind of love transcends even death. His love, Gloria, was at his side when he passed on. Harold is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria.
Harold had a beautiful relationship with each of his children. Although, each shared their own special bond with their father, they each owned an equal part of his heart. Later in life, his children became his motivation, support system, confidants, and strength. Harold left this world with each of them at his side.
Harold is survived by his children: Harold J. Martinez (his genius and scholar), Debbie Viramontes (his trusted advisor), Rosemarie Saldivar (his special angel), Gilbert Martinez (his confidant and strength) and last but never least, his "mijita de mi corazon", Connie Gallego
Harold's grandchildren were his world. They kept him young and vibrant. He loved them all dearly and loved to attend their sporting events, graduations, birthdays, weddings - you name it, he was there with a smile. He was very proud of their accomplishments and was always there for them when they stumbled. He is their hero. They are his legacy.
Harold is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:
Robert Saldivar, Noelle Sukow, Christina Viramontes, Sean Viramontes, Nicholas Saldivar, Andrew Saldivar, Courtney Saldivar, Harold Martinez III, Joey Martinez, Ashley Viramontes, Bianca Martinez, Christina Gallego, Andreas Martinez, Christian Martinez, Dylan Saldivar, Brent Saldivar, Anthony Saldivar, Nydia Saldivar, Maryjane Martinez and Madison Sukow.
He is also survived by his 4 siblings, Edmundo Martinez, Frank & Josie Prieto, Nora Bello, Donilia Nunez and sister-in-law Martha Martinez. All of Harold's surviving siblings were at his side when he passed.
Harold and his wife Gloria, spent many hours volunteering and participating in their church functions and fund-raisers. He attended mass every Sunday and always took his family for Sunday breakfast. He was a devout Catholic who enjoyed retreats and pilgrimages. Harold was an active member of the Kights of Columbus - third and fourth degree. He also served as Honor Guard to the late Cardinal MacIntyre when he laid in state at St. Vibiana's - Los Angeles. Harold was a dedicated parishioner to both St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Rowland Heights) and Resurrection Church (Los Angeles).
Harold has met many important people from all over the world and has many important friends. He would always find time to entertain out-of-town guests as well as hosting international visitors. But what made Harold, "Harold", was that he made everyone feel important. He made you believe that you mattered and would inspire you to believe in yourself. Harold was many things to many people. He was a motivator, an inspiration, a trailblazer...but most of all, a great friend.
ABLE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC.
July 1974 to 2009- Founder and CEO
Able Industrial Products, Inc., Ontario, Ca
The story of Able began in 1974 with the dream of a humble man that possessed an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit. Harold was not afraid of hard work and knew that he possessed the drive to be successful. He had always dreamed of one day running his own business. After much adversity at The A.B. Boyed Co., with whom Harold had been employed for over 22 years, Harold lost his job. He and his beautiful wife, Gloria, had five children to care for and knew NOW was the time to make his dream a reality, if not out of ambition, then out of need.
Gilbert Martinez, President of Able Industrial Products, Inc.(Harold and Gloria's youngest son), remembers this well. "My father started his own company out of necessity. He was married with 5 children, just purchased a home in Hacienda Heights and had just lost his job at A.B. Boyd after 22 years of service. After long discussions with my mother and consulting with many of his colleagues, he decided to venture out on his own. He started his business with no more than $10,000 (some of which was borrowed from family). My father was eternally grateful for this opportunity both to his immediate family for their sacrifices and the family that financially assisted him. My father was an entrepreneur at heart and knew that if he was a success with A.B. Boyd, he could be even more successful on his own.
In July of 1974, my father opened for business in a small building the size of a garage on Rosemead Blvd. in South El Monte. It wasn’t long before Able began to grow at a very rapid pace and my father then had to re-locate to a larger facility. He leased his second building with much regret. My father had always dreamed of owning his very own building. He then moved into the Penn Marr facility, still in South El Monte. He was at this facility until 1982. My dad began to see his dream realized when in 1981, he began the design and construction of his own facility, with the help of his dear friend and brother-in-law, Frank Prieto.
Able’s new home was on Lee Ave. in South El Monte and it remained here for the next 15 years. My father loved this building because he built it from the ground – up. Although, Able had long outgrown it’s 5,000 sq. ft. capacity, my father decided to remain here. My dad always said that Able-Lee Ave. was 5,000 sq. ft., but in fact, was only 3,800 sq. ft. In my Father’s heart, it was largest, grandest facility in the world. It was his baby. To this day, the building is still owned by the Martinez’s with specific instructions that the building never be sold."
Gloria worked as Able's Controller, Debbie and Connie worked as Office Administrators (now Office Manager and Human Resource Manager) and Gil worked as Harold's trusted Vice President (now President). The Lee Avenue facility remained Able's home for over 15 years. It was a 3,800 sq. ft. facility and Harold was extremely proud of it. In 1997 Harold purchased a 32,500 sq. ft. facility in Ontario. Harold J. joined the Able team during this time for several years, working as a Quality Control Manager, before continuing with his successful career in Aerospace. Rosemarie has been an Able consultant while continuing with her successful career in the Medical Industry.
Gilbert remembers a significant transition: "Business at Able-Lee Avenue continued to grow steadily and my parents made sure they were conservative with any profits made.
In 1996, my father realized Able was busting at the seams and that it would need to find a new home. We even had to open a second satellite office to accommodate all the customers we had acquired in the Inland Empire.
It took approximately 8 months for my dad to find Able-Ontario. My father purchased Able-Ontario in March of 1997. We moved both Able-Lee Ave. and the Satellite office under one roof in November of that year. It took us 7 months to complete the renovation of the building. You can’t imagine how proud my father was to own this building. Able-Ontario is a testament of my father and mother’s hard work and dedication. It is a symbol of their struggle and sacrifice. Making the transition from a 5,000 sq. ft. (my father’s measurements) building to a 32,500 sq. ft. building was intimidating to both my parents. Being the entrepreneur that he was, he took the risk."
In 2005 Harold took Able international with the opening of Able-Mexico (a mequiladora).
In 2008, Harold opened his first stand-alone Mexican Company, AIPCO de Mexico.
In August of 2008, Harold was given an Award of Special Congressional Recognition for for owning one of the regions Top 40 Latino Owned Companies.
Also, in 2008, Harold began the process of opening a tape printing company to be realized by his son, Gilbert, in 2009.
Harold took pride in both his company and his employees. He considered Able his second home and he treated his employees as family.
ABLE Industrial Products, Inc. has been servicing companies locally, nationally, and internationally since 1974.
Able Industrial Products specializes in the custom manufacturing of gaskets, rotary die cutting and fabrication of various types of materials such as foam, sponge, cork, felt, plastic and rubber products.
As a value added service, Able is a distributor of tapes, adhesives, abrasives, safety products and silicone caulk as well as mold making.
3M, Saint-Gobain, GE/Momentive and Loctite are just some of the quality manufactures Able represents.
Able has a 10,000, climate controlled clean room which meets the strict Federal Standard 209E cleanliness requirements of the Automotive, Computer, Medical, and Aerospace Industries.
Able is a certified ISO 9000:2001 manufacturing and distribution facility with sales in 2008 closing well over 7.5 million.
July 1974 to Present Able Industrial Products, Inc., Ontario, Ca
Founder, President and CEO
1953 to 1974 A.B. Boyd Company, Los Angeles, California
Industrial Division SalesManager, Responsible for Outside Sales, Manufacturing Facilities, Personnel, Customer Service. Started with A. B. Boyd as an after school janitor.
LBA
Harold's involvement with the Latin Business Association dates back to the establishment of the organization in 1976. Although he was not a founder, he had been the oldest most active committed member of the LBA to this day.
In 1979, he was first elected to the LBA as 2nd Vice president. That year, under LBA President JoseCallero he chaired a Ad-Hoc committee to have the Latin Business Association change to include women entrereneurs. Today, the LBA is known as the Latin Business Association.
In 1980/1985 respectively, Harold chaired the LBA Awards Banquet Committee. In 1983, he served as a Voting Executive Assistant to the LBA President and the Board of Directors. That same year, he assisted LBA President, Ray Rodriguez, to form the very first luncheon with President Ronald Regan.
In 1984, Harold had the honor of being elected the LBA President. The following list were the accomplishments of his 1985 presidency:
I. The first Trade Mission to the People's Republic of China, Province of Jilin, was taken. Subsequently thereafter, the LBA/lTC (Internationnl Trade Committee) was formed.
2. The creation of the LBA Newsletter was founded.
3. The 1985 Membership Directory was published anddistributed.
4. The LBA's very first exhibit wasbuilt.
5. He put the LBA into the 'black' financially taking them from a deficit for the very first time in its history.
6. He initiated the very first LBA Executive Director on Loan from Crocker Bank.
7. The Latin Business Foundation was founded.
As the founder of the Latin Business Foundation, he waselected to Chair from April 1985 through December 1987.
In 1990 & 1991 respectively, Harold was elected to a Second and Third Tenn to serve as President of the LBA.
Harold Martinez was a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated his own company with his wife Gloria, and his children, Debbie, Gilbert and Connie. Now in it's 35th year. Able Industrial Products now based in Ontario, California. The company is a gasket cutter, converter, metal stamping, and fabricator of nonmetallic material, as well as a Distributor for The 3M Company, GE/Momentive Silicones, Saint-Gobain, and Loctite. These products are for the Domestic and International Industries.
They currently employ 30 employees and is proud that Able offers his staff medical benefits as well as a 401K Pension Plan.
The MARTINEZ Family was named "The California Hispanic Family of the Year in 1988".
In 1994, The Hispanic Leadership and Advocacy Council of United Way established an award in honor of
Harold H. Martinez's Community Service Record. Appointed in 1994 by the Minority Caucus for the White House Conference on Small Business in Washington D.C. as the Southern California Chairperson. The Latin Business Association had appointed Harold as their Chairto the White House Conference on SmallBusiness for 1995.
AWARD AND HONORS
LBATwenty-five Year Sterling Member/Corporation Award, 2001
On July 1993, San Gabriel Valley Council of the Boy'S Scouts Presented Mr. Martinez with the "Distinguished Citizen ofthe YearAward" Southern California.
Finishers &Fabricators Association, "Environmental Leadership Award", February 1993
Latin American Management Association, LAMA, "California Hispanic Business Advocacy
Award", 1991
Mexican and American Foundation, "Areo Civic Leadership Award", 1991
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, "Hispanic Role Model Award", 1991
Ernst & Young, Inc. Magazine and Merrill Lynch, "The Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year Award", 1991
California State University, Los Angeles Hispanic Business Society, "Recognized for contributions made to furthering the study of business by Hispanic Students", 1991
U.S. Small Business Administration, "Recognized for support of the Los Angeles Minority Business Community", 1990
Business Development centerof Southern California, "Recognized for the contributions made to the development of Minority Businesses", 1990
KTLA Television News Program "Making It". This TV News program honors women and minority business enterprises for their contributions towards the economy and their community.
"The Community Service Award", 1990
Olvera Street Merchants Association honored him as a Business Leadership and Recognition. "The Los Angeles Angeleno Award", 1990
Twice Recognized by California State Senate Rules Committee Resolution given by Chairmen of the Senate, SenatorDavid Roberti, FamilyResolution #2864, 08/08/88 and another adopted 11/01190, Resolution #3152
University of Southern California - Latino Business Students Association, "Outstanding Support and Dedication to their Organization", 1987 and 1990
Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO California, "Business Study Series", 1988 and 1989
The 3M Company, "Outstanding support of The 3M Company sponsorship of the 1988 Olympics", 1988
East Los Angeles Occupational Center, "Recognition", 1988
California Hispanic Family of the Year, "Family of the Year", 1988
Latin Business Association - LBA, "Outstanding Member of the Decade Award", 1986
California Legislature Assembly, "Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Latino Community", 1986
Hispanic Business Magazine, "Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the
United States", 1985
Latin Business Association - LBA, "President Leadership Award", 1985
SanGabriel Valley Human Relations Committee, "Hispanic Leadership Award for Business", 1984
CIVIC ACTIVITIES
Environmental Compliance Support Association of California - ECOSA, 1993-1994
Small Business Coalition on the Environment, 1992-1994
Treasurer for the Japan Hispanic Institute, Washington D.C., 1991·94
Board Member, Lincoln Training Center, 1992-94
California Hispanic Publishers Association, State Advocate tor Corporate and Government Affairs, 1992-94
Southern California Gas Company, Multi-Cultural Community Issue Panel, 1991-1994
So California Gas (WMDVBE) GAS Advisory Panel, 1993
Los Angeles Police Department a member of the Civil Service review panel interviewing 29 captains for the L.A. Police Commanders positions for 1993
"World Environment Center" Representative tor Small Business for the Megacities on the Pacific
Rim and Burden of Air Pollution Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia 1993
LosAngeles Police Department Hispanic Community FOM,lm, for Chief Willie L. Williams, 1992·1993
Board Member, Latin Business Association, 1992-93
Latin Business Association, President 1985,1990, and 1991
Member of Governor Pete Wilson's Hispanic Advisory Council, 1990-1991
Member of the Coalition of Hispanics for Fast Track North American Free Trade Agreement, 1990-91
California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) Department of Civil Rights Taskforce on employment parity, 1989·90
California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) Department of Civil Rights Advisory Council on Contracting Policies, 1989-91
Latin Business Foundation, Founder andpast Chairman 1985·1987
Delegate White House Conference on Small Businesses, 1986-1985,
Headed the first Latin Business Association Trade Mission to the Peoples Republic of China,
Jilin Province in 1985
(Co-Sponsor) Hispanic Congressional Caucus, Congressional Delegation to Japan andTaiwan in 1987 -
Member of theAQMD Ethnic Communities Advisory Group, 1998 - Present
Chairperson to the Mexican American Opportunity Properties Foundation, 1998 - Present
Founding President of the "for profit" LaNueva Luna MeatMarket, an enterprise of a nonprofit coalition called, "Mothers of East Los Angeles", 1999 - 2008
California Small Business Association, 1996 • 2008
California Small Business Roundtable, 1997· 2008
California Small Business Education Foundation, Founding Member, 1998 - 2008
LosAngeles County Sheriff, member of Community Support Reserve Company #228, 1999
2008 Certified "Green Partner" with Sony
August 1st, 2008 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for owning one of the Regions Top 40 Latino Owned Companies.
Obituary:
MARTINEZ, Harold H., beloved father of five, grandpa of 14 and great-grandpa of 6, passed away on January 8, 2009 at the age of 70. Harold was the loving husband to Gloria Martinez his one and only sweetheart for 54 years. He is also survived by 4 siblings, Edmundo Martinez, Frank & Josie Prieto, Nora Bello, Donilia Nunez and sister-in-law Martha Martinez. Harold was born in 1938 in Tucumcari, New Mexico to the late Gilberto and Teodorita Martinez until his family relocated to Los Angeles in 1942.. He was an entrepreneur to Able Industrial Products, Inc. and has stood as the president, founder and CEO for the last 34 years. He has resided in Hacienda Heights for the past thirty years where he has enjoyed playing cards, Mexican dominoes, list ening to his oldies and spending time with his family and friends. Harold has served three terms as President of the Latin Business Association in addition to being a Founder to the Latin Business Foundation. He also contributed as a member on the advisory boards for the California Small Business Association, Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) during his lifetime.. Harold H. Martinez was a man of God and dedicated parishioner to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Resurrection Church. He will forever be remembered as a man of honor who loved his family, friends, and business associates. To learn more about Harold H. Martinez and his life, please go to www.respectance.com/Harold_H_Martinez. A rosary will be held on Monday, January 12th at 7pm at Resurrection Church in Los Angeles. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at 10am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Rowland Heights, California. Harold will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, in Los Angeles.
Sponsorship
Keep this Tribute free of advertising and enjoy unlimited uploads & storage
Share this Tribute
Let them know how much you caredOR
Amanda Norman
Amanda May 29, 2011
thank you
Amanda
Always remembered...
a.r. Jan 08, 2011
Tribute to our Grandfather
connieg Jul 16, 2009
Tonight we stand before you as Harold’s 14 grandchildren.
ANDREAS—
We are here to share with you how much our Grandpa meant to us and how he has impacted each of our lives. Each of us are proud to say he has left an everlasting and loving impression on us all.
CRISTINA G—
From some of our simplest memories of grandpa always being in a good mood, trying to slip us money when grandma wasn’t looking, to making sure the front door was always locked, we will remember him as a good man who loved us unconditionally, even if we were adopted into the family.
BIANCA—
Some of our fondest memories of him have been at his house around the holidays when the whole family would get together. Every year our entire family would cram into Grandma and Grandpa’s living room so that we could see his BIG surprise gift for Grandma, even though we always knew it was him who was so excited! He always liked seeing his entire family get together around the holidays especially when it was time to say grace.
ASHLEY—
In his final days, we had many conversations of people who were good to him. He talked about his employees and the relationship he had with different people along the years. In reflection of what he was saying, I realized it was his lesson on compassion and the way he treated others. Grandpa was an employer who wanted to know on a personal level the people who worked for him. He invested in them with the hopes they would invest in him and share the same work ethic. This explains the level of respect he had by those in his community, church, and business organizations.
When it was near the end of his life, he was saddened by the realization of hospice. He felt that it was the beginning to the end and although we cried together, he was still able put life into perspective for me. It was the closing of a chapter to a life well lived. He was fortunate to have traveled the world and see the many wonders and beauties it has to offer…. many of which most of us will never get to experience. He has met dignitaries, diplomats, even U.S. presidents. He’s written many letters and lobbied to get his concerns heard with hopes of change, and has been honored with awards that mark the man he was working to be. Although my grandpa felt his dying was the end of his life he was simply laying a foundation for us to follow and strive for. Thank You Grandpa.
JOEY—
Grandpa and grandma have been at every mile stone in each of their grandchildren’s lives, from high school & college graduations to sporting events, recitals, weddings and the birth of their great grandchildren he was a grandpa who was full of pride. And although we thanked him for coming to our functions it is not until now do we realize the absence we will have for times to come. Thanks grandpa for always being there.
JR—
For his grandchildren the most important lesson he wanted us to learn was the value of family. To know that the institution of family was the foundation that made us who we are and where we were going in life. Our grandpa prided himself in being a Martinez and the known fact that he had worked hard and earned everything in his life. My grandpa wanted us to learn the value of the dollar and appreciate what we had. He taught us that no matter how much money we had, we weren’t going to be successful without our family. Thank you Grandpa.
COURTNEY—
My grandpa was a man with a limited education… and based on his failures and successes in life he pushed us to educate ourselves. It was his encouragement that always motivated us to do more with our selves and further our education. His intention all his life was to encourage those he believed in… to do what they set out for… he would say “simply finish and better yourself”. And although we didn’t all commit to the family business, he undeniably still supported our hopes and dreams. As long as we knew that we were ABLE to do anything as long as we had the ganas, the desire, he was content. Thank you Grandpa.
ANDREW—
If you knew my grandpa he had a couple favorite clichés that as kids we never could figure out, but now sharing with others only makes us smile. If we were at his house and we asked him a question, he stressed a …Who Knows!!!
And if we were leaving he always yelled… What’s The Hurry!!!
In reflecting on who our grandpa was, it was important that we mention the things that gave us a laugh. We were always so excited when he was going to see a man about a dog, but then he never came back with the dog. So Grandma….I think its time you get us a dog.
SEAN—
As Harold’s grandchildren we’re very fortunate, better than our parents, we had our grandparents as mentors who modeled what we were suppose to become in every aspect of our lives. His generosity and eagerness to help people, even though he barely knew them was phenomenal. Our grandpa had a heart of gold. He was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and then ask, "What else can I do?". He never asked for anything in return...... other than for you to be true to yourself, honest and respectful to the people around you and most of all for you to go to church..!!! It is for your lesson in generosity grandpa that I thank you.
Christina—
My grandpa loved my grandma. My mijita de mi Corazon, he would say. They were inseparable companions who were best friends and undoubtedly an example of what true love should be. Although my grandma was not big on dancing it would light up my grandpa’s face to get her to dance. Everything he did, he did for my grandma and for the rest of his family. There were many days we found him washing the dishes and when we asked why he was doing so, he said because he didn’t want grandma to mess up her nails. His main goal in life was not the success of his business but rather making Gloria happy. Spoiling her wasn’t enough; “she deserved nothing but the best”, he would say. They went from rags to riches together and in the end they were richest in love. Aside from an every so often “darn it GLORIA”, grandpa always tried to model a relationship based on sole love. Thank you grandpa for teaching us love.
Noelle—
Grandpa was a man of his word. His integrity shined thru his character while his presence was definitely made known in a room. He was always introducing himself as Harold Martinez as if you were supposed to know who he was. He was a man who was passionate about his beliefs but always had time for a few jokes. He was a great leader who was the foundation of our family and a pillar in his Latino community. His lessons in life have taught us the type of person we want to be. Please help us celebrate a man who was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Thank you grandpa for being our strength.
Robert —
Before I start… I want to once again thank you all being here tonight to share your condolences with my grandmother and our family. One very important person who was not able to be with us tonight was my brother Nicholas. He is currently off serving in our US Armed Forces and was not able to break away from his training… but he would have liked to have been here with us tonight…
My cousins have described my grandfather in a true depiction of who was and his intentions in life. I’m confident that the people sitting and standing before me tonight in this beautiful church were my grandparents first got married are well aware of the generous, loving, and committed man he lived to be. Being the first grandchild, I had a unique opportunity to grow up with him, and he embraced and treated me as if I was his own son. Our talks will always be cherished, while his advice will never be forgotten.
This brings me to MY fondest memory of my grandfather… And that he was what a great mentor he was… The dictionary defines mentor as: A Wise and Trusted Counselor or Teacher, an Influential Senior Sponsor or Supporter. This was my Grandfather… The best example I can give you, is that in life I’m sure at one point or another we’ve all had a fall. Whether it be in Love, Business, Legal, or Financial, he was always there to pick you up. But my grandfather wouldn’t just pat you on your back and send you on your way. Instead he would sit there with you and together the two of you would figure out and understand why it was you fell, and again together come up with a plan to make sure you didn’t fall again. I don’t mind saying I was one of those people he mentored… in fact I’m proud and feel privileged to be one of the lucky few. And those like me know we are all better, smarter people today because of him.
As my cousins and I have been coming up here to speak to all of you, you may have noticed we’ve been slipping these 10 of diamond cards on his casket. My grandfather had a fondness for playing cards. He was a 3 Card Poker player when he went to Vegas, a gin rummy player when his friends came to visit, and a card game many may not be familiar with called Casino, he played with his family… Now there are many ways to acquire points while playing this game but the 10 of diamonds was worth the most… And if you ever got a chance to play this game with him, he was relentless at trying to acquire this card. Grandpa, we just want you to know that we will always Love You and you’ll always be the 10 of diamonds in our hearts…
Harold Martinez was and Angel, a Statesman, he was a Legend… To me, he was my Friend, my Mentor; Harold Martinez was my Grandfather… I Love You Grandpa.!!!
My Friend, Harold Martinez
Ruben Jauregui May 20, 2009
Harold began working at the age of eleven as a busboy/dishwasher at Cookie’s Café. By the time he was sixteen Harold was holding down two jobs, one at a service station and another at AB Boyd where he learned and honed his sales skills. He worked at Boyd for 20 years until he left and founded Able Industrial Products, the company that keeps virtually all of his children busy to this day.
I first met Harold as a result of our involvement in the Latin Business Association. He and Gloria were both active members of that great organization. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the LBA and chaired many of its committees. His beautiful wife Gloria served several terms as Treasurer of the organization.
In 1985, after many years of service to the organization, Harold was elected President of the Board of Directors by the LBA’s members. Not only was Harold enthusiastic about becoming President but he loved being at the helm of this young, growing and vibrant organization. He was leading the LBA when it was still trying to find its way and so he helped mold its image, its purpose and its importance to Latino owned businesses in California and throughout the country. Under his leadership the LBA became more closely identified as an advocate that wasn’t afraid to speak out whenever Corporate America wasn’t giving LBA members and other Latino business owners a fair shake. His shoot from the hip style created some tense moments but his unrelenting honesty and truthfulness ultimately won the hearts of the major corporations and governmental agencies we were all trying to do business with. That same style endeared him to Latino business owners everywhere, especially among the LBA’s members. He taught everyone a new language of business through such phrases as: “What’s happening?”, “Off the record.” and the ever famous, “I kid you not.”
“I kid you not.” he would say whenever he wanted to place emphasis on some story he’d just finished telling you. Harold Martinez had just returned from a trip to China during which he had led a group of members of the Latin Business Association on its first ever trade mission there. That was February of 1985 and only weeks before that he had been sworn into office by District Attorney, John
Van de Kamp as President of the then renowned “LBA”. In this instance he was using the phrase to emphasize the friendliness and extraordinary hospitality that had been heaped upon the LBA delegates during their stay in China as he addressed the overflow crowd in attendance at the LBA’s annual Awards Banquet at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.
During the trip he had invited the delegation’s hosts to visit the United States and become acquainted with the Latino business community of greater Los Angeles. What Harold had not anticipated was that the Chinese would not only accept but that they would fly back to the United States with him and the rest of the delegates on their return trip. As a member of the board of directors, I was serving as the LBA’s First Vice-President at the time and had been busily working to help plan and organize the impending Awards Banquet when we received word from the delegation that we had to quickly organize a series of events in order to introduce our arriving guests to the Latino business community, to our friends in Corporate America and to various elected officials. Ultimately the Chinese delegation attended the Awards Banquet itself and its members were able to hear Harold’s words of thanks, the praises he had for the warmth with which the LBA’s delegates had been received in China, and the excellent attention and hospitality they had received as well.
The initial decision by Harold to accept the invitation from the Chinese was testament to his sagacious quality. He had discerned that there was a great potential in the establishment of a relationship between the LBA and business persons and government officials in China that would eventually lead to beneficial relationships for the LBA’s members and many other Latino business owners over the long term. Indeed his pioneering spirit has spurred many business relationships between us and the Chinese since that initial visit in 1985.
Early in his Presidency Harold took on then Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley for Tom’s unwillingness to cross a picket line in order to attend the LBA’s 1985 Awards Banquet, proving once again that our members and what the organization stood for were foremost on Harold’s agenda, the mayor (or any other elected official) notwithstanding.
Several years after his one year term as President of the LBA, Harold was drafted by a contingent of LBA members to run for the office of President. That election was closely contested but he was once again elected and served two more terms as the LBA’s President in 1990 and 1991. Latino businesses in Los Angeles and throughout California and the country owe him a great debt of gratitude for his leadership, excellent advocacy, commitment and dedication.
The passing of Harold Martinez from death to new life has left a great void for his family, the Latino community and mankind in general. Harold was unique among men. He was extraordinarily honest and straight-forward in dealing with people and challenges. Even when using one of his favorite sayings, “Off the record.” he never spoke negatively about anyone. He invariably placed the well being of others above his own. Even in his final days he would ask confidants and family members “How are going to help so and so?” He was well aware of his condition and yet even in his final hours he was trying to help someone else.
Harold always liked to make sure that conversations involving others were communicated to those “others” quickly and directly. So if you were on the phone with Harold discussing a situation involving a third party you could expect that he would suddenly interrupt the conversation by asking you to please hold the line and within moments you’d find yourself engaged in a three-way conversation that now included the person you had just been discussing with Him.
His devotion to his wife Gloria of almost 54 years and to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was beautiful to watch. He was all about love.
Harold treated everyone with dignity and respect. Life tends to condition most of us into anticipating great moments but it is the smaller moments that usually count. Harold was a series of moments of joy, laughter, kidding, love and excitement all contributing to his greatness as a man, husband, father and friend. Many of us may not be able to always remember exactly what he did or said but we will always remember how he made us feel.
Ruben Jauregui