Carlos Rivera Martinez

Our husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, father-in-law, and friend Carlos Rivera Martínez left us on Sunday, February 13th, 2022. We shared our last moments with him laughing, singing, listening to favorite songs, telling jokes, hugging, kissing and reminiscing on a life filled with ups and downs, successes and failures, joys and disappointments – a full and meaningful life. We felt the presence of friends and family from across the country and those who went before him. It was the kind of crossing over we all dream of having. Thank you to all our friends and family for your prayers, love and support during this time.

Carlos was born in Williams, Arizona July 20, 1940 to John and Dorela (Rivera) Martinez, who later parted; he was raised by his mother and step-father David Sanchez along with his siblings Anna, Robert, and Eddy. Carlos is remembered for his love of family, music, the arts (opera and ballet), cooking, reading, and meaningful friendships; all of which he tried to make happen at the same time. His views of people and the world were often captured by a special passion for photography. He loved candid photography of everyday people, flowers, landscapes, and family. He was an avid lifelong learner who spent many years pursuing his interests in college and university courses.

After a 42 year career with American Airlines, Carlos spent time visiting family and seeing far off places with the love of his life and best friend Diana who he married in 1994. Theirs was a union that Carlos said “was written in the great book,” but that took a while to find. Carlos spent his early years growing up with his cousins and lifelong friends in Merced, California. He and his friends formed what he called “a social club” in those days. They got in a little trouble from time to time, but mostly focused on forging friendships, learning to dress with impeccable style, and combing their hair.

In 1959 he married Alyce Lawr and they raised 6 children together, they parted in 1989. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent many hours with Diana learning to be a servant to members of the congregation. He carried this attitude in his efforts to teach and be an example to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In some final words he recorded before his passing he asked those coming to his farewell “leave your tears at home. Goodbye until our next hello, and thanks for the wonderful journey – Carlos.”

Between Carlos and Diana they have 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by Dorela Rivera (mother), John Martinez (father), David Sanchez (stepfather), Edward Sanchez (brother) and Maryanne (Hermansen) Martinez (daughter-in-law by Anthony). He is survived by his children Michelle (Johnny) Williams, Thomas (Melanie Packer), Anthony (Angie Mitchell), Steven, Phillip (Christi Neal), Daniel (Anna Iskandar), and Michelle (Rammell). Grandchildren – Rachael, Thomas, Felicia, Maria, Lydia, Nicolas, Enrique, Savannah, Amanda, Kelsie, Trenton, Araya, Ammon, Alivia, Alijah, Nathan, Alex, Taisha, Brooke, Aspyn, Talon, Dayna, Randy, Virginia, 18 great grandchildren and special appearance by Solovino the cat. Special recognition to our cousins of the Castillo family of Merced, California – you are family, and we feel your loss too.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 26^th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful 2^nd Ward chapel, 650 South 200 East, Bountiful, where a visitation will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services.

The services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. Streaming will begin 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the 11:00 a.m. services.