Gilbert Garcia Cota

Gilbert Garcia Cota, the son of Gilbert Cota Sr. and Connie Huffman, was born January 31, 1950 in Los Angeles, California and passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, March 2, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of 42 years to Linda Cota. Gilbert was a South Bay resident for over 60 years, spending his last 36 years in Torrance, California. He was a devout Christian who gave his trust into the Lord.

Gilbert is survived by wife, Linda Cota; mother, Connie Huffman; three children: Gilbert A. Cota, Raymond Cota, Melissa Ortiz and son-in-law Dino Ortiz; two brothers: Larry Cota and Eric Huffman; one sister: Bibiana Cota; and five grandchildren: Mia Cota, Alyssa Cota, Karina Ortiz, Andrew Ortiz and Alexis Luna. Gilbert was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather (papa) and a dear friend.

He had a huge heart and was always thinking of the family before himself. An ideal Sunday afternoon would to relax in the backyard under the sun, while eating sunflower seeds and reading the Bible. He was very much an outdoorsman. Gilbert loved the beauty and tranquility of the beach, the mountains and especially Joshua Tree National Park. He enjoyed BBQ'ing, camping and spending quality time with his grandchildren. Gilbert has touched the hearts of many and will be loved and missed by all.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Rice Mortuary on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 5pm to 9pm. The service will be held at Rice Chapel on Thursday March 13 at 9:30am. A reception follows in Rice's Lighthouse Reception Room until 12:30pm. Burial will be at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.