John Garcia

December 29, 1945 – September 26, 2013

On Thursday September 26th, long time Osoyoos resident John Manuel Garcia passed away at the age of 67, at Mariposa Gardens following a long battle with dementia.

He was predeceased by his parents Manuel and Maria Ester of Penticton.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family including Laura, his devoted wife of forty-six years; son David (Joanne) and children Reece and Ricky; daughter Lori (Brad) Forster and children  Graydon and Macey; brothers Joe, niece Stephanie, and Frank (Grace), nieces Kathleen and Sandra as well as many extended family and friends.

John was born Dec 29 1945 in Terceira, Azores.  The Garcia family emigrated to Canada in 1959, and settled in Penticton. John moved to Osoyoos in 1967 and married Laura and together they operated “Garcia`s Texaco and Fruit market “ for many years. Following that his careers varied from being an orchardist, an Okanagan Similkameen Packing house Field man to hosting the Call of Portugal radio program.

John was a founding member of the Osoyoos Portuguese Cultural Society and Portuguese Folk Dancers. He was also a dedicated member of St. Anne’s Church and the Knights of Columbus.

In the 60s and 70s,  John assisted many new Portuguese people with matters of immigration and

translation as well as to MC at many weddings , dances and other events.

As a well respected member of the community, John received a 19 year award of service as a

director of the Osoyoos Credit Union. Over the years he enjoyed shortwave/ham radio broadcasting as well as his aviary and pets.

A heartfelt thanks to all our family and friends for their support during John`s illness, in particular the staff at Mariposa Gardens, Dr. Calder and special thank you to Tia Merces Vieira for her dedication to John’s care.

Prayers will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday October 1st, 2013 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be celebrated by Fr. Dave De Souza at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday October 2nd, 2013 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Interment and committal will follow at the Osoyoos Lakeview Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted to the Alzheimer Society of B.C or the S.P.C.A.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com