Michael L. Garcia

September 17, 1943 - February 13, 2023

Michael Lancaster Garcia died on February 13, 2023, in his San Francisco home with his wife of 42 years, Cheryl Deutschmann Garcia, by his side. He is also survived by their daughter Amanda Garcia, his stepson Scott Biggs, Scott’s wife, Noelle Biggs, their granddaughter, Riley Biggs, his brothers James R. Garcia and Christian P. Garcia, and sisters Edith G. Eason, Melie G. Freret, Yvonne G. Crawford, and Elizabeth G. Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph F. Garcia, III, and Judge Peter J. Garcia.

Michael was born on September 17, 1943, in Thibodaux, Louisiana, the fourth of nine children of the late Joseph F. and Edith L. Garcia. Soon after his birth, the family returned to New Orleans. Michael attended Jesuit High School, and Alcee Fortier High School, where he graduated in 1961. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1966 from Louisiana State University. He enrolled in graduate school at Loyola University where he taught undergraduate courses and completed his master’s degree (M.B.A.) in management. He later attended Memphis State University where he received a master’s degree (M.S.) in psychology. Michael founded two successful businesses, a management and marketing consulting firm and a bandbooking agency.

In 1980, he moved to San Francisco to trade options as a sole proprietor on the Pacific Stock Exchange. He and his family settled in the Merced Manor neighborhood. Their daughter Amanda was born in 1986 and grew up to become a marketing professional. Scott became a decorated member of the San Francisco Police Department.

In San Francisco, Michael continued his lifelong participation in neighborhood and city issues, which began as a young man in New Orleans where he fought for equal rights and taught underprivileged children. He joined the board of the Merced Manor Homeowners Association, and began his civic involvement by advocating for the safe installment of park swings for kids.

Michael also became a delegate to the West of Twin Peaks Central Council and served on the St. Stephen’s School Board, where his children went to elementary school. Michael also served on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Y.M.C.A.

Michael was appointed to the San Francisco Ethics Commission, where he served as president. He was later appointed to the San Francisco Board of Appeals, for which he also served as president. As a commissioner, he was proud to serve as the officiant of same-sex marriages when they were legalized in San Francisco. Michael received an award for his outstanding contribution to San Francisco’s Behavioral Health Court.

In retirement, Michael worked as an arbitrator for FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority—a government-authorized, not-for-profit organization that oversees U.S. brokerdealers.

Michael loved New Orleans and his heritage there. He made frequent trips back to his beloved New Orleans and was active in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Michael and his family spent their summers at the Russian River in Guerneville, CA.

Burial arrangements are private.