Octavio Sergio Garces

Octavio S. Garces (Captain Tavi Garces), age 98, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida, with his daughter at his side. He is survived by his three children, Bob Garces (Christy), Larry Garces (Catherine), and Kay Worth (Joseph III), nine grandchildren, Joseph Worth IV, Holly Rein, Katherine Saez, Jenifer Bonomo, Heidi Worth, Julia Garces Spalten, Rory Zimmerman, John Kilcoyne, and Robert Kilcoyne as well as 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece Sandi Trovassos (Job). During his later years, Tavi was blessed to have been surrounded by wonderful and loving caregivers at his home.

Tavi was born in Cienfuegos Cuba, on February 3, 1919 the son of Alejandro and Mercedes Garces. In 1932 Tavi, along with his sister Ofelia, his brother Alejandro, and Mother, came to Miami to pursue an American education. They returned to Cuba via ocean ferry for weekends, holidays, and summers to be together with their father. Tavi graduated high school from Montverde Academy in Florida (1939) and then went on to the hallowed grounds of The University of Florida where he lettered in swimming and cheerleading. After graduating from UF in 1942 he went to work at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, starting the highly successful swimming and diving program while teaching Spanish to multiple generations of students. In 1968, Tavi became the Athletic Director and then became the Director of Alumni Affairs before retiring after 38 years of service to the school and its students. Tavi married the love of his life, Geraldine Taylor Garces, in 1946 and started their family in Jacksonville. Together, they had three children, Bob, Larry, and Kay. They were charter members and regularly attended Southside United Methodist Church. For the next 25 years, they owned and operated Camp Tomahawk where many of Jacksonville’s children and teenagers spent their summer months enjoying swimming, arts & crafts, archery, riflery, horseback riding, canoeing, and water skiing. Camp Tomahawk is now owned by the City of Jacksonville providing daily enjoyment to families as a public nature park just as Tavi and Gerry wanted.

Tavi lived a long, happy life and is the last of his family’s generation. He was a remarkable man who touched many lives with his kindness, humor, and steadfast devotion to coaching, teaching, and family. He loved fishing, classic cars, Bolles swimming, and Gator football attending almost every home game until he was 92. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 16, 2017 from 5-6:30pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd. On Saturday, June 17, 2017, interment will be held at 10:15am at Oaklawn Cemetery. To celebrate his life a memorial service will be held 11:00am at Southside United Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207 with a reception to follow. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.