Robert Martinez

Robert (Bob) Martinez, born 1941 in Florence, Kansas to Sarah and Felix Martinez, died October 14, 2018 in Magalia, CA. He grew up in Stockton, CA. Bob graduated in 1965 with an AA in Nursing. He continued his education and received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Sacramento State in 1970, and later received his Masters in Public Administration from the University of La Verne in 1977. He worked at Camarillo State Hospital from 1962 to 1970 as a psychiatric technician, registered nurse, and finally hospital administrator. In 1979 he was promoted to Executive Director at Patton State Hospital; and in 1980 he accepted the position in San Bernardino, as the first Hispanic county mental health director in the state of California. In 1991 he was selected to run the Santa Clara County Mental Health Department until he retired in 1996. In his retirement years, he remained passionate about developing and spreading cultural competence within the mental health field. He was the Director of the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions Center for Multi-Cultural Development. At the time of his death, he was the President of the Board of Directors of the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA). In August, NLBHA proudly presented a tribute scholarship, in honor of Robert Martinez.   

In his free time, Bob loved motor homing and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He loved traveling to historical sites and barbecuing with family and friends. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed a nice glass of red wine.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Pamela (Johnson) Martinez of Magalia, his 3 daughters, Bambi Perry, Nicci Martinez, and Lani Juarez, and his 2 sons in law, Richard and Frankie. He is lovingly remembered by his five granddaughters and one grandson, Liberty, Lauren, Allie, Olivia, Ella, and Jake and one great granddaughter, Remi. He is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother, Gloria Mendoza, Kathy Paguyo, and Felix Martinez, all of Stockton. He had 19 nieces and nephews and a large, loving extended family in Stockton. He is preceded in death by his mom and dad, Sarah and Felix Martinez, his nephew, Adam and Goddaughter and niece, Lisa. The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 20 at 1:00 pm at the Moose Lodge 5275 Skyway, Paradise, Ca. 

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