David Martinez
June 18, 1962 - September 25, 2023
"Celebrating a Beautiful Journey"
His Journey
David Martinez was born on June 18, 1962, in Boulder, Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains as his backyard. From the moment he could walk, he was drawn to the outdoors. His parents often joked that they had to drag him inside for dinner.
After earning his degree in Environmental Science from CU Boulder in 1984, David spent a year backpacking through national parks, documenting wildlife and deepening his commitment to conservation. That transformative year shaped the rest of his life.
In 1985, David achieved a lifelong dream by summiting his first major peak - Mount Rainier. It was the first of many. Over the next 38 years, he would climb 47 peaks across North America, always with respect for the mountain and gratitude for the opportunity.
Adventures & Memories












Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life at Sunset Point
Sunday, October 1, 2023
5:30 PM(Past event)
Sunset Point Trailhead
Mountain Vista State Park, Boulder, CO 80302
Join us for a celebration of David's adventurous spirit at his favorite hiking spot. We'll gather at sunset to share stories, release biodegradable wildflower seeds, and honor his memory surrounded by the nature he loved. Please wear hiking boots and bring your favorite David story.
Hosted by The Martinez Family • maria.martinez@email.com
Memorial Kayak Paddle
Sunday, October 8, 2023
9:00 AM(Past event)
Seashore Marina
789 Harbor Drive, Boulder, CO 80304
A peaceful paddle along David's favorite coastal route. All skill levels welcome. We'll meet at the marina, paddle together, and share memories on the water. Kayak rentals available.
Hosted by Tom Wilson and Mike Anderson • tom.wilson@email.com
Life Journey
Born in Boulder
June 18th, with the Rocky Mountains as his backyard playground.
Born in Boulder
June 18th, with the Rocky Mountains as his backyard playground.
Graduated CU Boulder
Environmental Science degree, followed by a year backpacking through national parks.
Graduated CU Boulder
Environmental Science degree, followed by a year backpacking through national parks.
First Major Summit
Climbed Mount Rainier, beginning a lifelong passion for mountaineering.
First Major Summit
Climbed Mount Rainier, beginning a lifelong passion for mountaineering.
Environmental Educator
Started teaching at Boulder Nature Center, beginning a 37 year career.
Environmental Educator
Started teaching at Boulder Nature Center, beginning a 37 year career.
Married Maria
Met on a group hiking trip and married in an outdoor ceremony at sunrise.
Married Maria
Met on a group hiking trip and married in an outdoor ceremony at sunrise.
Son Carlos Born
Their family adventures began with the arrival of their first child.
Son Carlos Born
Their family adventures began with the arrival of their first child.
Daughter Rachel Born
Family complete, countless camping trips and outdoor adventures ahead.
Daughter Rachel Born
Family complete, countless camping trips and outdoor adventures ahead.
Led Wetland Restoration
Organized volunteers to restore 50 acres of local wetlands, now thriving ecosystem.
Led Wetland Restoration
Organized volunteers to restore 50 acres of local wetlands, now thriving ecosystem.
Conservation Award
Received Colorado Environmental Educator of the Year for lifetime achievement.
Conservation Award
Received Colorado Environmental Educator of the Year for lifetime achievement.
47th Peak Summit
Final major climb, celebrating a lifetime of mountaineering adventures.
47th Peak Summit
Final major climb, celebrating a lifetime of mountaineering adventures.
Share a Memory
Maria Martinez
September 28, 2023My beloved husband of 38 years. You taught me to see beauty in every sunrise and find peace in nature. Our adventures together were the greatest gift. Until we hike together again, my love.
Carlos Martinez
September 27, 2023Dad you were my hero. Every camping trip, every hike, every lesson about respecting nature... thank you for everything. I promise to keep exploring and protecting the wilderness you loved so much.
Jessica Thompson
September 28, 2023Mr. Martinez was my teacher in 2015 and completely changed my life. He took our class on a field trip to the redwoods and I fell in love with nature. Im now studying environmental science because of him!
Mike Anderson
September 27, 2023David and I summited 12 peaks together over 20 years. He was the best hiking partner anyone could ask for - always positive, always prepared, always knew when someone needed encouragement. Gonna miss you buddy.
Rebecca Cole
September 28, 2023Working with David at the nature center was pure joy. His enthusiasm for the outdoors was contagious and he had such a gift for teaching kids. He made learning about nature fun and meaningful.
Tom Wilson
September 27, 2023david was the real deal. never met anyone who loved the outdoors more. our kayaking trips were legendary bro. rest easy knowing u made a difference 🌲
Sarah Parker
September 28, 2023David led the volunteer group that restored our local wetlands. His knowledge and dedication inspired us all. The wildlife thriving there now is his lasting legacy. Thank you for caring so deeply.
Amanda Rodriguez
September 27, 2023I was so lucky to have Mr Martinez as my environmental science teacher. He didn't just teach from books - he took us outside and showed us why nature matters. Those lessons stayed with me forever.
James Chen
September 28, 2023David was my mentor when I started at the nature center. He taught me that environmental education isn't about preaching - it's about helping people fall in love with the natural world. Wise man and good friend.
Rachel Martinez (daughter)
September 27, 2023Dad, every sunset reminds me of you. Every mountain, every ocean, every tree. You showed me how to live fully and love deeply. I miss you so much but I feel you in every adventure.
Kevin O'Brien
September 28, 2023David was my neighbor and running buddy for 15 years. Rain or shine, we hit the trails together. He had the best stories and always knew the name of every bird we saw. Life wont be the same without him.
Emma Foster
September 27, 2023Mr Martinez ran the summer nature camp I attended as a kid. Those 3 weeks every summer were magical. He taught us to respect nature and find joy in simple things like watching ants or identifying trees.
Daniel Lee
September 28, 2023David helped me through a really dark time by getting me outside and active. Our weekly hikes literally saved my life. He never judged, just walked beside me and listened. Forever grateful for his friendship.