Alvin Vigil Garcia

Alvin V. Garcia September 2, 1912 �" September 20, 2008 Age: 96 Residence: Greeley, Colorado Tribute: Alvin V. Garcia was born in Bueyeros, New Mexico to Abran and Dorithia Angel (Vigil) Garcia. In 1924 Alvin and his family moved to Greeley. In 1938 he married Juanita (Jennie) Lopez Garcia in Greeley. They were married for 54 years until Jennie’s death in 1992. Alvin owned and operated the Garcia Grocery Store at the Spanish Colony for 62 years until he retired in 2000. Alvin had a passion for baseball and was one of the founding fathers of The Greeley Grays. He started and managed the first semi-pro leagues in Greeley. His love for God, his family and the future of all children was the motivation that made him survive after his stroke at the age of 39. He never stopped helping those in need. Alvin and his family have hosted an annual Christmas party for the children of Greeley for over 60 years. The parties started in his and Jennie’s garage and as it grew larger every year, they needed to move to a larger location. Our Lady of Peace Church and their generosity supplied the room that was needed. He was an incredible man full of love and passion. He was one of the founding fathers of Our Lady of Peace Church and helped raise money for the construction of the beautiful church. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Church and was a devoted catholic. He was a world traveler. If a family member was going somewhere he was there. He has traveled from Hawaii to New York City and seen the entire country that he loved so well. The family and everyone he met was blessed with his laughter and love on every trip. Mr. Garcia died Saturday, September 20, 2008 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. Survivors: His daughters, Dorothy Rodman and husband William, Annabelle Canzona and husband Thomas of Greeley, Lorraine Sadler Jr. and husband Woodson of Lexington, VA; sons, Abraham Garcia and wife Jenny, Claude Garcia and wife Lean of Greeley; 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by: His wife, Juanita; parents; daughter, Valentina Garcia; grandsons, Abraham and Christopher Garcia; 6 brothers and sisters, Monica Garcia, Katie Talmage, Tim Garcia, Tito Garcia, Francis Gallegos and Sally Duran. Visitation: 4:00-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Adamson Chapel, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley. Recitation of The Rosary, 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Services: Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens. Note: Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alvin Garcia Memorial Children’s Christmas Fund in care of Adamson Chapels, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsonchapels.com.