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Anthony R. (Gabe) Martinez, M.D. died peacefully at the age of 60, on November 25, 2009. Dr. Martinez was born on May 2, 1949 in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Senaida and Dan Martinez, both of whom predeceased him. He was a graduate of the University of New Mexico in 1971 where he also completed medical school in 1975. Dr. Martinez then moved to Modesto, CA to complete his medical residency and began his work as one of the only Spanish speaking family practice physicians in the Modesto area. In 1981, Dr. Martinez moved to Los Lunas, New Mexico where he co-established Los Lunas Medical Associates. He dedicated himself to the Valencia County community until July of 2000. Dr. Martinez then joined the medical staff at the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, N.M. At the time of his death and for some years prior, he was the Clinical Director of this Hospital. Dr. Martinez was a voice for the poor, the mentally ill and a proponent for education of minority students. He was a founding member, president and board member of the New Mexico Hispanic Medical Association as well as having served as a board member of the National Hispanic Medical Association. Dr. Martinez also selflessly donated extensive time flying medical equipment, supplies and providing much needed services to the isolated Talahuamara Indians located in northern Mexico. Dr. Martinez is survived by his wife, Catherine Espinosa Rugen; his children, Amy D. Slater and husband Patrick Slater, Dr. Carlos G. Martinez, M.D. and wife Rebeca Martinez, Dr. Concha Maria Adamich, DDS, and Adrian A. Martinez; as well as two step-children, Nick P. Rugen and Allison Rugen; He had four grandchildren, Jovana, Estevan and Antonio Martinez, and Kaeden Martinez; as well as one step-grandchild, Lesianna Rugen. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 300 Mildred N.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Dr. Anthony R. Martinez Scholarship Fund, c/o New Mexico Hispanic Medical Association, 7770 Jefferson N.E., Suite 400, Albuquerque, N.M. 8710
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