Dear AZB Family,
On January 12, 2020 - my friend and fellow pool player David Martinez passed away.
He wasn't a pro player or a road player - he was a family man, a retired Houston Police Officer (32 years of service) and a man who simply loved to play the game - tournaments, league or just playing to play. More than that - he was a good man, a man of integrity and principle who's word was his bond and always had a kind word and smile on his face for everyone.
The reason that I'm writing this is that yesterday I had the privilege of attending his memorial service and while it was a truly sad day for his family and all who knew him, there were some things said about the way that he lived his life that struck a chord with me.
I wanted to a share a few of them with you, the AZ Billiards community as I felt that they were important and meaningful on a lot of levels:
- Say what you mean - especially to your loved ones and don't miss an opportunity to tell them that you love them and what they mean to you.
- Be kind and do the right things even when no one is watching.
- Honor your word - do what you say you're going to do and be a man that others can count on.
- Smile and be positive. Ask about others even when you yourself are hurting.
David wasn't perfect, but after learning more about him, I realize he was a better man than me. I hope to learn from the lessons he left behind and honor my friend's memory by doing so. Perhaps we all can try to do the same.
On January 12, 2020 - my friend and fellow pool player David Martinez passed away.
He wasn't a pro player or a road player - he was a family man, a retired Houston Police Officer (32 years of service) and a man who simply loved to play the game - tournaments, league or just playing to play. More than that - he was a good man, a man of integrity and principle who's word was his bond and always had a kind word and smile on his face for everyone.
The reason that I'm writing this is that yesterday I had the privilege of attending his memorial service and while it was a truly sad day for his family and all who knew him, there were some things said about the way that he lived his life that struck a chord with me.
I wanted to a share a few of them with you, the AZ Billiards community as I felt that they were important and meaningful on a lot of levels:
- Say what you mean - especially to your loved ones and don't miss an opportunity to tell them that you love them and what they mean to you.
- Be kind and do the right things even when no one is watching.
- Honor your word - do what you say you're going to do and be a man that others can count on.
- Smile and be positive. Ask about others even when you yourself are hurting.
David wasn't perfect, but after learning more about him, I realize he was a better man than me. I hope to learn from the lessons he left behind and honor my friend's memory by doing so. Perhaps we all can try to do the same.
