Andrew Kyle Garcia

Andrew Kyle Garcia was born on May 31st, 1996 in Johnson City, Tennessee to Mike and Shelby Garcia. Andrew was called to a higher purpose by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 16th, 2016 at the age of 19.

Andrew and his family moved to Southern California when he was 4 months old. He attended Redlands High School where he played for the RHS football and baseball teams. His journey to graduation was far from normal, but his perseverance was unmatched and he was able to make it happen. He graduated high school in 2015, and had planned to attend junior college this fall.

His sports background lead him to become an avid University of Oregon fan, and he followed their football and basketball programs very closely. He was most excited during the basketball team’s Elite 8 run this past season. He loved to play basketball and show off his moves like his favorite NBA players Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.

Andrew was best known as a family man who cared for each and every person he met. His motto was “Anything for the family” and he lived by that day in and day out. Those closest to him knew they could always count on him for anything. He loved his family and friends even more than he loved himself. He was a selfless and amazing young man.

And let’s never forget his big, beautiful smile. It would light up the whole room and everyone around him. He could start up a conversation with anyone, and when he was excited about something you knew it. You could see that smile coming from a mile away, and you couldn’t help but smile along with him.

Andrew always had big goals for himself. He wanted to be a savvy businessman and run his own personal business or shop. His hustle, toughness, resourcefulness, and determination were always admired by those closest to him. Those ambitions will be remembered forever. The Garcia family is working with Redlands Community Scholarship Foundation to help create a scholarship in Andrew’s honor. The scholarship will help RHS students obtain their higher education goals just like Andrew wanted to.

Andrew is survived by his parents, Mike and Shelby Garcia; older brother, Michael Garcia Jr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends.

Andrew will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to call a son, brother, grandson, and friend. We were all privileged to have him in our lives for 19 years. He was loved by many and will continue to watch over us all with a big smile on his face, just as he did while he was on earth.

His life celebration service will be held on Thursday April 28, 2016, 10 a.m., at Montecito Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington St, Colton, California. There will be an hour visitation prior to the service. Chaplin Todd Tettburg will officiate the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary.