Sam Martinez.

as written by his Grandson Yutsil Martinez

Simon Martinez, best known as Sam, born 18th February 1910 in Punta Gorda, Belize (former British Honduras). A wee man as he called himself, who didn’t then realise the adventures he would have later in his life. At the age of 32 he ventured onto helping Britain "the mother country" during WW2 as part of the war efforts with a group of 800/900 men, crossing the Atlantic, leaving a life and home behind, not knowing what lied ahead. Arriving to Scotland and being welcomed by people who thought they were coal-men, because they'd never seen people of colour.

After the BHFU (British Honduras Forestry Unit) was disbanded he faced a difficult decision: the choice to go back home or stay. He was one of the few who stayed. He decided he wanted to fit in Scottish/British society. His adventures didn't culminate there, he went and found friends, formed a new life and settled in with his new family in Edinburgh. He became one of the oldest Hibs supporters, he left a legacy.

And I was just lucky enough to be one of his grandchildren who got to live with him in his last years, from 101yo to 106yo, and listen to his life ventures for myself and like he used to say "by golly man" what a life he had, he was always content, never worried over anything, because you've got to live life and not worry about what has gone past, the only thing we should worry about is our health, family and that will keep us just fine.

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