Garcia, David

David Garcia, 71, of Glendale, Arizona, passed away, Sunday, October 8th, 2017 with family at his side. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and friend. David was born January 10, 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona to Manuel and Belia Garcia. As a child, he discovered his love for sports. He represented Arizona in the Little League World Series in 1958. David went on to graduate from Cortez High School in 1964 where he was a decorated all around athlete who led his team in winning the state baseball championship in 1963. On May 25th, 1968 he married the former Charla Franklin and together they raised their four children. David was honored to serve for six years in the United States National Guard during the Vietnam War as a skilled sharp shooter. He became a journeyman plumber for UA Local 469 and recently received his 50 year membership pin. David loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always looked forward to Fall, when he would hunt deer and elk with his son and grandsons. He also took pleasure in the art of long distance target shooting and loading his own ammunition. After retirement, he spent summers traveling to his property in San Luis Valley, Colorado, where he enjoyed the beautiful lake and mountain views. Fond memories were made fishing at the lake and riding the 4x4 ATV with Charla by his side. David shared his passion for healthy eating and exercise with his family. He could be found almost daily working out at the gym with his friends. David is survived by his wife Charla of 50 years, three daughters Lia (Bryan) House, Chandra Blumenthal, Crysta (Bert) Levesque, son David Garcia, grandchildren Jennifer, Chase, Aaron, Jordan, Camryn, Zachary, Karlie, Dylan, step grandchildren Tanner, Andrew, Jacob, Lauren, Tyler, brothers Manuel (Jr), Paul, sister Marion, and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Belia. A special thank you to Hospice of the Valley in Glendale for their loving care and support. Also, thank you to Heritage Funeral Chapel, Peoria for assisting with all of the arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:30 PM, Sunday, October 22nd at Macayo’s Mexican Restaurant, 6012 W Bell Rd, Glendale, Arizona 85308. God saw him getting tired, a cure was not to be. He wrapped him in his loving arms and whispered ‘Come with me.’He suffered much in silence, his spirit did not bend. He faced his pain with courage, until the very end.He tried so hard to stay with us but his fight was not in vain,God took him to His loving home and freed him from the pain.