Mark Martinez, one of the co-founders of Spare Keg Brewerks and a member of the Adams State Board of Trustees, died from an apparent heart attack on Sunday afternoon, according to family and friends. He was 36.
Martinez, an Alamosa native, had a love for the U.S. Army and was working as a recruiter and retention specialist for the Colorado National Guard since December 2023. He is survived by his wife, Chandelle Lancaster, and his mom, Alysia Martinez.
Martinez partnered with his lifelong friend Derek Heersink to open Square Peg Brewerks in June 2017. It quickly became one of Alamosa’s hottest spots as microbrew loyalists celebrated Martinez as one of Colorado’s top brewmasters. The duo ultimately changed the name to Spare Keg Brewerks in 2022 after Square Peg Winery of Sebastopol, CA, challenged the name on trademark.
“Obviously, we live in a really supportive community. I think for the most part, people who do business here have an upper hand against other places. It’s just a good community to be in. It’s tight-knit, folks are typically pretty supportive,” Martinez told Alamosa Citizen of the success of the brewery.
In December of 2021, Martinez was appointed to the Adams State Board of Trustees by Gov. Jared Polis. He was co-chair of the search committee that landed on David Tandberg as president. He championed Adams State both as a business owner and as an alumnus, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013.
Martinez served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 2014 to 2017. He then returned at the end of 2023 after nearly seven years running Spare Keg.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss,” said President David A. Tandberg, Ph.D. “I truly loved Mark, as did Darin and Kai. Our family will miss his playful banter, his genuine concern for each of us, and, of course, the breakfast corn dogs we often enjoyed together the evening before board meetings. He had an infectious positive attitude that brightened a room, and he made everyone he knew, or just met, feel like they mattered. Mark truly cared about Adams State’s students and understood the importance, and unique mission, of our institution. His passing leaves a significant hole in our personal and professional lives. The Tandbergs and all of Adams State will miss Mark deeply.”
Martinez graduated from Adams State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in earth science. Prior to the brewerks, he served as a GIS technician for the Bureau of Land Management, an indirect fire infantryman in the Colorado Army National Guard, and a teacher and substitute for Center and Alamosa School Districts. His term as Adams State trustee was set to expire December 31, 2025.
“All of us in the Adams State, Alamosa, and Valley community are deeply saddened,” Trustee Chair Duane Bussey said. “Mark was passionate about his role as a Trustee. He brought a strong local perspective as well as insights into how Adams State could better serve our military veterans. He served the university well. My wife Lorey and I have known Mark and his family personally for many years and we extend our deepest sympathies at this incredibly difficult time.”
Martinez served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 2014 to 2017. He then returned at the end of 2023 after nearly seven years running Spare Keg.
“Spare Keg is desecrated to share the passing of co-founder Mark Martinez. He was a business partner, best friend of many, mentor, son, grandson & husband of the most wonderful people,” the business posted on its social media accounts.