Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Live life to its fullest - that is exactly what Richard Joe Garcia did with his life. He loved life, loved his family, and loved his friends. Known as Joe to his family and Richard to his friends, he was best known as a compassionate soul to everyone.

John F. Kennedy was President of the United States the year Joe was born in 1962. He shared his birth with his twin brother Johnny in Yuma, Arizona. They were the first born children in the family, but soon would be joined by 5 other siblings: Hilda, Santa, Tony, Dina, and Carmen. They were a close knit family. His mother, Elsa, raised the entire family on her own. When Joe was in elementary school, he had a lot of friends. After school, he loved going to a friend's home or riding bike. Joe and Johnny were well-known because they were identical twins. But, they had different personalities, both unique and different from each other and their siblings. Joe's sisters remember he was a great big brother who would take them swimming. Joe was someone everyone looked up to. When Joe was 15, the family moved to Los Angeles to be closer to relatives. After the move, Joe was always looking out for his sisters, taking care of them and protecting them.

In the 70's and early 80's, Joe loved the disco scene. He enjoyed the music of Donna Summer and Saturday Night Fever. He even wore bell bottoms with big shoes one time when he went out with friends. Joe graduated from Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights. After high school, he went on to take night courses at UCLA focusing on computers and accounting. He landed a job with the Broadway Department Store where he would use his skills for the next ten years.

Joe's best friends were Pam, Ruben, Michael, Bea, and Moi. Over the years, they were like family. Joe, Ruben, and Michael took many trips to Palm Springs, San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. While Joe liked to shop and go dancing, Ruben appreciated sightseeing on their adventures. Joe had gratitude for everything he was given in life. He was compassionate in many ways with people but also loved animals. He took care of everyone's dogs and enjoyed their pets. It was funny when Joe would visit Ruben because Ruben's pet cockatoo would cuss Joe out. Joe also loved cooking a variety of meals. His favorite meal was Posole. His favorite treat was his mother's upside-down pineapple cake.

Being sick was the hardest part of Joe's life, but the best part of his life was his family and friends. His purpose was to live life to its fullest and he did it his way. Joe was spiritual in many ways. He practiced life through Buddhism and appreciated the messages of Joel Osteen. He was looking toward the future, even planning to attend a September Crusade with Osteen in Phoenix. His family and friends will miss many things about Joe, especially his smile, his laughter, and his friendship.

Memorial donations are welcome in Joe's name to the Aids Foundation or Volunteer for Hope.