In Memory of J. Patrick Garcia
Dr. J. Patrick Garcia was at home surrounded by family when he peacefully went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2010. He was 61 years old.
He was born on January 10, 1949 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Patrick is survived by his parents, J. Placido and Adeline Garcia; wife Carol Jones Garcia; son, Jason P. Garcia and wife Jodie; daughter Jacqueline M. Garcia and husband Henno van Arkel; stepsons, Adam Jones, Bill Jones and Coby Little Soldier; grandchildren, Justin and Jared Garcia, Taylor Eden, J. D. Shotaya and Kaylie Ann Little Soldier, and Henry Jones and Dominick Garcia; brothers, Dr. J. Placido Garcia Jr. and Munira K. Garcia, Joseph Garcia and wife Tina Garcia; sister, Mary E. Garcia.
Patrick grew up in Socorro, and lived most of his adult life in Albuquerque, NM. He was an exemplary mathematician and excelled in academics. In 1988 he received his PhD from UNM in Educational Administration. Dr. Garcia began his career teaching mathematics at Gadsden High School in 1970. He became a part of the Albuquerque Public Schools in 1971 where he taught mathematics at Taylor and McKinley Middle School. He was soon tapped as assistant principal for McKinley Middle School and principal for Harrison Middle School. Because of his extraordinary leadership and exemplary work ethic he was assigned as Director of Transportation in 1992. As of July 2009, he became the Executive Director of Operations at APS. He continued in this position until he went on medical leave in January 2010.
Those that knew Patrick characterize him as an ethical individual who held high expectations for himself and others. His intelligence, quick wit, and wry sense of humor were his trademark. He never sought the limelight and was happy to have others shine. People remember his kindness and his devotion to God and his family. His love and gratitude to Carol for her care and devotion was constant. Five years ago he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, primary pulmonary hypertension. He handled his condition with grace, never complained, worked hard and became active in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association traveling around the United States where he gave hope to many as a role model that PPH didn't have to rule your life. He lived life with gusto and treated each day as a special gift. Very recently he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Again, he was a model of courage and grace under fire. He succumbed just two weeks after his diagnosis.
His family and friends are moving forward with his wish to bring awareness, research and support to those suffering from pulmonary hypertension. November 6th and 7th will usher the inaugural Dr. J. Patrick Garcia "Breathe Easy "5K Run and Walk. In lieu of flowers the family requests support of this event. More information is available at http://PHAssociation.kintera.org/GarciaBreatheEasy.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 21, 6:00 p.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave NE, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be on Wednesday, September 22, 11:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Visit Patrick's Memory Book online at www.RememberTheirStory.com.
~ From "The Albuquerque Journal", published Monday, September 20th, 2010.
