Eliseo Saldivar Martinez

Eliseo Saldivar Martinez passed away on May 12, 2024, in Bellevue, WA, two months shy of his 98th birthday. He was surrounded by loving family and friends who were able to talk, laugh, and reminisce with him as they tearfully said goodbye.

Eliseo was born on July 14, 1926, in the small town of San Pedro Apulco, Zacatecas, Mexico to parents, Porfirio and Gabriela Martinez. Adventurous from the start, he left home as a youngster to make his way in the world. At the age of 22, while working as a hired hand on her father’s ranch in northern Mexico, he met a fetching young woman, Erminia, who a year later would become his wife of 55 years.

Searching for a better life, they went north, crossing the border to Mercedes, TX where their children, Ricardo and Hilda, were born. The young family then headed even further north ending up on a farm near the Canadian border. Adamant that his children should have the education that he never had, Eliseo finally put down roots in Lynden, one of the earliest Latino families to permanently settle in Whatcom County. Eventually they were able to buy a small farm, plant raspberries, and raise animals.

Eliseo’s work ethic and sense of pride in doing every job well was evident in everything he did. Self-taught and motivated, he built the family home, a barn for the cows, and a large garage all with his own hands. Every year he planted a large garden that overflowed with many types of fruits and vegetables for family and friends to enjoy. He loved being outdoors, always staying active and busy with one project or another. Eventually he was hired at Intalco where he worked at various jobs from driving forklifts to large trucks before retiring after 26 years.

Although not formally educated, Eliseo was an intelligent man. He taught himself to read and write in Spanish and English and his math skills were often better and faster than people using cash registers or calculators. At 69 he decided that he wanted to become an American citizen so he could exercise the right to vote. He studied American history every night for a year and proudly passed the naturalization test a month after his 70th birthday.

Eliseo’s greatest pride was in his family, especially his children. Both went to college, earned graduate degrees, and obtained professional jobs. Erminia and Eliseo were overjoyed their children didn’t have to work at backbreaking labor in the fields or factories. The family home was always filled with laughter, joyful conversation, great Mexican food, and later grandchildren who relished coming to the farm to be completely and lovingly spoiled.

Eliseo was preceded in death by his wife Erminia and his daughter Hilda. He is survived by his son Ricardo (Margaret), granddaughters Lela (Steve), Jessica (DeShawn), Gabriela (Brady), and seven great-grandchildren. He was fiercely proud of his growing clan and was present at every college graduation, many soccer and basketball games, recitals, and each granddaughter’s wedding. He leaves behind a large contingent of nieces, nephews, and close friends who will miss him dearly.

Ever the pragmatist, Eliseo prepaid and preplanned his own funeral arrangements. At his request no formal services will be held. He asked that his ashes be spread near Mt. Baker as that was the view he enjoyed for more than 64 years from his living room window.