Al Martinez is an easy name to pronounce. Al's birth name is Aledaido, but he doesn't use it much since most folks have trouble with it. Al was born and raised in Chimayo, New Mexico with one half sister and three half brothers. At age 19 he moved to Portland with one of his brothers to try something new. Having a hard time finding work, he picked beans until he found employment at Hollywood Fred Meyer. In 1959 Al met his current wife, Brawley on a blind date. Al's brother's girlfriend set them up to double date with them. Al's brother never married Josie, but Josie and Brawley are still good friends more than 50 years later! When Al's father passed away, he went home to New Mexico to be with his mother, and then joined the Army for two years. All this time, Brawley and Al stayed in touch via letters and phone calls. When Al finished his two year commitment with the Army, he landed in Fort Lewis, WA. and called Brawley. They married soon after and settled in Portland. Bringing three children into the marriage, Brawley and Al went on to have two more of their own. In 1978, Brawley and Al decided to leave Portland for life in the country. Driving into the Gorge many times on the weekends, one time they noticed a "For Sale" sign and decided to give the Realtor a call. The next thing they knew, they were living in Corbett with their two youngest kids enrolled in the school system. Al says their views are spectacular, but so is the wind! One time he agreed to store a 13 foot camping trailer for a friend on his property. Al warned him of the wind- his friend said NO wind could EVER blow over his trailer because it was so heavy and durable. A few weeks after Thanksgiving, Al heard a huge "thud." A huge wind had literally picked up the trailer and tossed it on it's side! Being an electrician for nearly 20 years, Brawley has retired from Union Local 48. He said when Brawley was feeling better, they loved to travel the country with their kids. A favorite spot? Mt. Rushmore. These days, Al stays close to home with Brawley and the nine year old great grand daughter they are raising. When he finds a free moment he heads up to the Grange to offer a helping hand.
