Gilbert Ruben Garcia, age 69, of 12236 Friday Road Q.1, Rapid River, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday afternoon, August 24, 2010 of an apparent heart attack at his residence in Rapid River.
Gilbert was born October 3, 1940 in Canton, OH the son of Manuel and Mary (Villarreal) Garcia. He was raised in Pontiac, MI where he graduated in 1958 from Pontiac Central High School. Following graduation, Gilbert was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, Gilbert was employed for 36 years with General Motors Corporation until his retirement in 1995. In 1997 Gilbert and his wife Delia moved to their current location in Rapid River.
Gilbert was a member of the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 and the Waterford Eagles. His hobbies included spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and dancing.
Survivors include his wife, the former Delia Aguilera who he was united in marriage to on April 19, 1969.
2 daughters:
Monica (Brian) McVety of Lake Orion, MI
Veronica (Martin) Tovar of Pontiac, MI
Son: Ruben Garcia of Waterford, MI
Brother: Leonel (Carol) Garcia of Wetmore, MI
3 sisters:
Rachel Gonzales of Milford, MI
Juanita Casas of Spokane, WA
Ana (Michael) Contreras of Grand Rapids, MI
7 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins
In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his brother Larry.
Gilbert
Anonymous
Delia, Veronica, Monica and Rueben – I am so very sorry for your loss. Gil was a good man and friend. He will be missed greatly.
My deepest condolences to your family
Becky
Waterford, MI
To the Garcia family
You are in my prayers, Gilbert was a fun kinda guy, He was a patient for a few years with us, and he always brought a smile to our faces. He will be missed, You always have him in your hearts and on your minds. He was a gem, Rest in peace Gilbert
Brenda King
Gladstone, MI
Delia – We will never forget how much fun it was to have you and Gilbert at our kids graduation party so many years ago – and how much we appreciated him cooking his delicious pork for the party. He was a special friend and will not be forgotten. Delia, you are in our thoughts.
David & Wanda
West Branch, MI
I’m so very thankful we were able to see Gilbert one last time at the graduation party. He looked happy and seemed to be enjoying himself like he always did. My kids,(Nicole and Andrew) still talk about his pancakes being the best they ever tasted. They were able to visit Him and Delia one summer when my dad was still with us. I’m sure the two of them are having a good laugh and a drink remembering all the times they spent together. God bless his family and rest in peace Gil, you will be missed and tell dad we all said hi, Amen.
Lori Villereal and family
Oxford, MI
Delia, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Gilbert. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Love, Margie and Malcolm Swanson
Margie & Malcolm Swanson
Rapid River, MI
Deepest sympathy to the family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Monte and Donna Baum
Lonia, MI
Although I never knew you, I’ve heard how great you were.
I know you’re now with Jesus; An Angel whose earned his wings.
I felt the gates of Heaven open wide and welcomed you in
I could hear the Angels singing, ?Come Brother now YOU win?
Of course the ones you left here know how much they meant to you
For you, Dear Gilbert were a man made only of Heaven sent, no one can fill your shoes
Rest In Peace~
Anonymous
Pontiac, MI
Aunt Delia and Family I am so sorry for your loss it was good to see everyone and you will be in our thoughts tomorrow…Uncle Gilbert was my favorite and he will never be forgotten. Love Ya, Missy Dave Amanda Ashley and Austin
Missy Mannisto
Christmas, MI
I am writing on behalf of all of the nurses and staff at Green Bay Oncology, Escanaba. We wanted to express our sympathy and want you to know that we enjoyed seeing and taking care of Gilbert. He always brought some sunshine into our clinic and was always a pleasure to care for. He will be missed.
Green Bay Oncology
Escanaba, MI