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By Ramona Frances

Members of the Martinazzi family (from left) Vince, Eddie, Vernon, Brett, Charlton, Susan and Chad.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Vernon Martinazzi

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Members of the Martinazzi family gather for a family photo. Pictured from right are Eddie, Brett, Vernon, Susan, Vince, Charlton and Chad.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Vernon Martinazzi and his wife Betty.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Vernon with his sons Vince (left) and Eddie and his daughter Susan.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Vernon and his wife with grandchildren Brett (left), Charlton and Chad

Photo by: Ramona Frances

His life, his family

One more name has been added to the the list of Madera farmers recognized for significant contributions to the community. Vernon Martinazzi will be honored during the Senior Farmer Dinner at Madera Municipal Golf Course tonight.

Described as an exceptionally hardworking and a man with "a big heart." Vernon's son Eddie Martinazzi may have shared a deeper truth when he said his father was motivated to get work done so he could go hunting and fishing.

"As long as I remember, that's what he has loved to do," the younger Martinazzi said. "That has never changed." He also believes that his father's attitude toward life has been influenced by the loss of his brother to cancer at a young age.

"Dad knew anything could happen," he said.

After retiring from the dairy business, the family tried cotton, which was hard to profit from.

" In 1977 we started growing almonds, and the business has been real good to us," Eddie Martinazzi said. "There are times of year when it's slow, allowing dad to get out. Be it golf, or fishing and hunting, dad loves outdoors as much today as he ever did. It's one passion that never waned or got buried. He saw life could be short."

Vernon's daughter Susan (Vizcarra) also commented on her dad's work ethic. "At 76, he works as hard as my brothers," she said. "He believes in getting work done and going out and having some fun."

Raised in northern Madera County, Vernon grew up with the demands of maintaining a dairy, accommodating a relentless milking schedule with few days off. In his children's early years, they, too, learned the rigors of farm life.

"We grew up on a dairy," Eddie Martinazzi said. "You had to be there to feed cows and take care of calves. But farming and work wasn't enough to keep him from going fishing and hunting."

Martinazzi switched to almond growing, Eddie Martinazzi said, because there is some down time during the cold months, allowing for other activities.

Granddaughter Amber Saulsbury enjoys describing her grandfather's demeanor.

"I have never seen my grandpa down or in a bad mood," she said. "He has a positive attitude. Every minute around him is a joy. You can ask anyone who has been hunting or camping with him and they will tell you they've never had more fun than with my grandpa Vern."

"As far back as I can remember," said Vernon's grandson Brett Martinazzi, "Grandpa Vern was always in the field doing whatever. He is a tremendous worker, no matter what day in the week it is.

"He gives to 4-H and FFA and he's always giving back to the kids, he buys a pig or lamb from them every year."

Early in Vernon's life, he married Bernice Davis of Chowchilla, together they raised three children: Eddie, Susan and Vince. Involved in the community in which they lived, the couple demonstrated commitment to youth projects and activities linked to service clubs, church, FFA and 4-H. They also supported their children in agricultural pursuits.

After Bernice died, Vernon married Betty Tex in 1987, a women who shares many of the same interests.

As a hunter and fisherman, Martinazzi shares his skills and expertise with youth not only in hunting and fishing, but in packing into high country, proper deer dressage and conservation. Using artistic skill, he creates various objects, such as wine holders and lamps, out of deer horn.

Crops Martinazzi has grown include cotton, corn, alfalfa, almonds, blackeyed peas, raisin grapes, wine grapes, and orchards of mixed fruit. He has also raised dairy cows, calves, beef and pack animals.

Martinazzi supports Madera FFA, Madera Young Farmers, Madera County Farm Bureau, Federal Land Bank, National Farmers Organization, Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Golden State Cotton Gin. He was nominated for Senior Farmer of the Year by Eleanor Newcomb and Linda Galleano of Madera.

Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.