Eugene L. Garcia

Eugene L. Garcia was born to eternal life on April 24, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer over a period of two years. Eugene was preceded in death by his father, Eugenio P. Garcia, mother-in-law, Frances T. Atencio; paternal grandparents, Filiberto and Escolastica Garcia, maternal grandparents, Isaac and Maria Aurelia Valdez, niece, Anna Marie Atencio, and nephew, Rafael A. Atencio; may all their souls rest in peace. Eugene is survived by his immediate family: Olga Atencio Garcia, wife of 35 years, his mother Ernestine Garcia, father-in-law Luis L. Atencio, sisters Deborah (Mary) Garcia, Yolanda (Michael) Turner and brother Russell Garcia. Eugene is also survived by brothers-in-law Lorenzo Atencio, Pedro (Diane) Atencio, Chris (Marcella) Atencio, Jose (Alicia) Atencio, Ralph (Julie) Atencio, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Maestas, Maria Atencio, Angela (James) Sanchez, many uncles and aunts, numerous nephews, nieces and other relatives. Eugene graduated in 1970 from St. Michael's High School where he participated in sports and was known as "Largo." He attended and earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico. After graduating from college, he attained a position with the Income Support Division, State of New Mexico. During a period of 25 years of service he was instrumental in providing assistance for many of the citizens of Northern New Mexico and was acting Director of the Division for several years. His leadership and dedication to those in need will always be remembered. Eugene was a founding member of the First Offenders Program in the Española Valley that counseled and provided advocacy for underprivileged and troubled youth. He was a very proud and active member of the Española Knights of Columbus Council # 3314. As a Knight he served and held the following positions: District Deputy, Community Director, State Warden, Grand Knight, and was serving as State Advocate at the time of his passing. He also participated in Los Padres Assembly as a 4th Degree member. Eugene was a passionate and dedicated member of the Pilgrimage for Vocations for 13 years. He many times served as acting Rector, organizing the functions, meetings, and logistical details for the annual 100-mile Walk for Vocations. Eugene is best known by his family and friends for having a love of life and charisma. He was often the center of the dance floor and was nicknamed, "Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine." Rosary will be recited on Saturday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. at the Block-Salazar Mortuary, and on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers are James Turner, Alan Valdez, Elbert Martinez, and Chris, Ralph, Gabriel, Mario, Jose Atencio and James Sanchez; Honorary pall bearers are Godchildren Elena Chacon, Mona Lisa Garcia, Angela Sanchez, Jennifer and Nina Atencio, Renee Maestas, caregiver Dorothy Maestas, and all his friends, nieces and nephews. The Rivera family of Block-Salazar Mortuary, 505-753-2288 or 1-800-443-4854, www.blocksalazarmortuary.com Rosaries 4:00 p.m. ~ Saturday April 26, 2008 Chapel of Block-Salazar Mortuary Española, New Mexico & 3:00 p.m. ~ Sunday April 27, 2008 La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Santa Cruz, New Mexico Mass of the Resurrection 2:00 p.m. ~ Monday April 28, 2008 La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Santa Cruz, New Mexico Interment Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Santa Cruz, New Mexico