John Garcia

John Seferino Garcia, MSGT, USAFR (Ret.)

August 8, 1924   -   June 29, 2017

John S Garcia, age 92, passed away on June 29, 2017 at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home from causes incident to age. He was born in Alamosa, Colorado, the son of Juan G. Sr andCedelia Ruybal Garcia. He joined the US Army at the beginning of World War II. He specialized as an explosives technician,  serving in the Battle of the Bulge, the Invasion of Normndy on D-Day, and several other campaigns.  After the war ended, he fell in love with and married Lucille Padilla February 9, 1948.

Shortly thereafter, they moved to Brigham City, UT for a short period of time, then to Ogden, UT for an even shorter period of time. Eventually they moved to the Sahara Village close to Hill Field, and in 1953 settled in Verdeland Park located in Layton, UT.When Diamond Hills was being built they purchased lot #1 in 1961.We know why this lot was chosen, it was directly across the street from the Central Davis Jr. High baseball field, how convenient that became.

John was a dedicated member of the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Layton. He served as an usher for many years, and participated in any activity which involved his boys.He "assisted" in countless projects for the Cub Scouts Troop 87. Eventually he began a second career of coaching little league baseball, his true calling was creating great ball players and won more 1st place trophies than we can remember. As his boys got older, he graduated to coachingBabe Ruth league baseball, not being able to afford all the equipment and uniforms, he convincedthe Priest at St. Rose to sponser his team. He was very proud to have a giant rose on all the uniforms. Again, not being able to pay to have the logos placed on the uniforms, he picked up and old sewing machine, and did them on his own. Baseball consumed his summer time, and practice always began after the first winter thaw. His nickname was "Pepe" not only because most people could not pronounce Sefe, but rather his quickness in catching the ball, and running the bases.

He took great pride in becoming an All Star Coach several years, and he led his teams to victoriesas a very fine sportsman. In his off season as a coach, he enjoyed bowling for many years, he attained a high score of 296 one year, and maintained an average of 200 or better many times.  John was an avid deer hunter and very seldom failed to bring down a buckOr two.  He taught his sons his skills in shooting a rifle and always demanded safety first. Deer hunting was not only a sport he loved, it provided the family with a freezer full of meat for the winter.

John began his career in the old Army Arsenal, and eventually ended up back in uniform in the US Air Force Reserves as an Air Reserve Technician. He taught himself the art of aircraft sheetmetal. He was famous for designing and fabricating tools that did not exist. He could turn a difficult task into something routine. He loved working with his hands, and he welcomed any challenge thrown at him. He had the skill to fix just about anything. He enjoyed working on his own vehicles. Although he did not especially care much for yardwork, he did it to keep his wife happy, and like he always said, "if your going to do something, do it right, or don't do it at all". He enjoyed traveling while in the Reserves, and he often took Lucille with him and turned his duty into a vacation of sorts. He loved his weekend trips to Wendover where he could unwind and have a good time with family and friends. He never told anyone if he won or lost, and we did not dare ask. He enjoyed watching the old western movies with John Wayne, and he absolutely loved to watch the Denver Broncos and the Utah Jazz. What a great day in his life when the Broncos won the Super Bowl, he actually smiled a few times.

Although he retired in 1984, he never enjoyed shopping much, but when Lucille mentioned it was time to go to the Base Commisary, he was ready to go. We know he loved going there so they could run into some of his old buddies from work. There monthly trips to the Base could last several hours.John was a very generous man, when the family got together or dining out, he always paid the bill, and often gave large tips to show his appreciation. He loved family events and enjoyed being around all the little ones.  John never complained about his advanced age and the complications that came with it. He lived up to his motto, "when the going gets tuff, the tuff gets going".

John was one tuff man. His home was his castle, he welcomed anyone for any reason, anytime. John was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years Lucille, three sons Dennis (Shirley) Garcia, Layton, UT, Charles Garcia (partner Marsha Andrews) Layton, UT,  Ron (JoAnn) Garcia, Clearfield, UT, Sister Marie Verna Lopez, Grand Junction, Colorado. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, six sisters, and one grandchild.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home for the wonderful care given to John for the three weeks he spent there. They provided John with the best care possible and allowed him to pass with dignity and respect. For this the family will never forget the kind and caring staff. We would like to offer a special thanks to Ms. Joanne for herdedication to John and his entire family, especially his wife Lucille.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with family Thursday, July 6, 2017, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd.  A vigil with Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m.