Larkin E. Garcia

CDR Larkin E. Garcia entered Heaven on March 5, 2017.  He was born on September 30, 1940 to Juan and Fedelina Garcia, in Embudo, NM.  He attended McCurdy Mission School, where he excelled at every sport and developed a love for McCurdy that would last his lifetime.  After graduating from McCurdy, he joined the US Navy.  His hard work resulted in his selection to the Seaman to Admiral Program, and he rose from the enlisted ranks to the rank of Commander.  He attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned a BS in electrical engineering and a MS in Combat Systems.  He served on numerous ships and made many lifelong friendships.  He was especially proud of having served on the USS Enterprise, and was on board during the fire of 1969.  He retired from the Navy after 28 years of honorable service, having served multiple tours in the Vietnam War.  He never failed to give the Navy credit for much of what he accomplished in his life, and any young person speaking with him was sure to be encouraged to join the Navy.  He then went on to a career at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and retired after 25 years.  

He loved his family dearly.  He is survived by his wife of fifty five years, Renee.  As his health declined, she was by his side, caring for him, cooking the foods she knew he loved, encouraging him, and praying for him.  He is survived by his stepmother, Lucy Garcia, and children, Jacquie (Scott) Gladwell, Jon (Elizabeth), and David (Suzanne).  He is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Nicholas, Zac, Michael, Christian, and Lucas, and his great grandchildren, Olivia and Landen.  His grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy over the past years.  Nothing made him happier than to see one of his grandchildren walk through the door or to cheer them on in their Hope Christian activities.  He is survived by his siblings, Louise Killingsworth, David Garcia and Frances Hagel, and by numerous uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends that he considered to be family.  

His generosity was legendary.  He gave his money and time to anyone in need, and it was not uncommon for him to end a conversation with an invitation to stop by the house anytime or an offer to be taken to dinner.  He volunteered his time as a youth basketball coach in the Espanola Valley, encouraging his players both on the court and in life.  After becoming an officer, he often brought home young sailors for dinner, remembering what it was like to be far from home.  

Larkin will be forever missed, but we’re comforted by knowing he’s now in Heaven and we will all be reunited with him someday.  We would like to thank Ruben Reyes of Home Instead, the Life Spire Assisted Living staff and Alliance hospice for providing special care to Larkin and our family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 17th at 1:00pm, at Daniels Family Funeral Services Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE 87109.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Jesus Wells through Gospel for Asia, to build wells for those in need of clean water.  He was passionate about this need in recent years.

Mr. Garcia's care has been entrusted to
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010