Mike Garcia -- Obit Notice

Mike Garcia Jr.

Mike Garcia, Jr. 1931 ~ 2008 Mike Garcia, Jr. died May 14, 2008 at home surrounded by loved ones, from complication of prostate cancer.He was born in Crested Butte, Colorado on Sept. 28, 1931 to Miguel and Edubiges (Eloisa) Soto Garcia. He had fond memories of growing up in Spring Canyon, Utah. He was a well respected husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, nephew, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, neighbor, and godfather to many. Mike graduated from the College of Eastern Utah. He served our country honorably from 1950-1953 in the Korean Conflict as a proud marine. He married Bertha Escandon on April 30, 1955 in Price, Utah at Notre Dame De Lourdes. They made their home in Hiawatha, Utah while he worked for the railroads. Moving to Salt Lake City in 1959, he went to work at Hill Air Force Base, retiring in 1989. For the past 18 years he chose to become a school crossing guard in his neighborhood. He was well liked by the kids and their parents. He has been a member of St. Patrick's Parish for 39 years. Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, tinkering with cars, painting, and going to Wendover. He loved Mexican music and dancing. Most of all he loved being at family BBQ's, drinking beer and shooting Tequila. When this was no longer in his best interest, he told us to have one for him! He has always been a source of strength and a great leader to all of us. He emphasized hard work, honesty, generosity, integrity, and ONGAWAH. He will be missed by many. Mike is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bertha; his children, Linda (Randy), Johnny (Loretta), Mike (Benita), and Elouise; his grand-children, Joey, Jennifer, Mark, Christina, Christopher, Nicole, Stephanie, Sean Nellie Jo, Lindsey, Michael, Anthony, and Katelyn; his great-grandchildren, Elicia, Isabella, Benny, Alexis, Lillian, Samantha, Jessica, Lucas, and Laila were his pride and joy! Brothers and sisters, Richard, Bobby, Corky, Carmen, Josie, Helen, Margie, Rita, his Tia Cora and his in-laws, the Escandon family. Also by his Oscar and Peaches who comforted him to the end. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Connie Mary and Valeen; his brother, Henry; father and mother-in-law, John and Carmen Escandon; sisters-in-law Maurine, Eva, Lydia and other beloved family and friends. A special thanks to VistaCare Hospice, the staff on the 5th floor at the U. of U. Medical Center, the dialysis team at the Dumke (Humpty Dumpty) Building and the many friends and family who supported him and his family during his illness. A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1040 W. 400 S. A vigil service will be held Sun. at 7 p.m. also at the church, where friends may call from 6-7 p.m. Committal, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave and T St. Funeral directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick's Parish, 1040 W. 400 S., SLC, UT 84104.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from May 17 to May 18, 2008