Homero Ivan Garza

March 3, 2001 – July 8, 2026

Every life tells a story, and Ivan's story is one of love, perseverance, laughter, and unwavering

kindness.

He believed in showing up for the people he loved, working hard for the dreams he pursued, and leaving every place a little better than he found it. Whether he was protecting his quarterback on the football field, making memories with his siblings, celebrating with friends, or simply sharing his unmistakable smile, Ivan lived with authenticity, humility, and compassion.

While our hearts are broken by his absence, we choose to remember him not only for the moments we lost, but for the countless moments we were blessed to have. His legacy will forever live on through the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love that continues to surround him.

Born in Bakersfield and raised in Delano, California, Ivan was proud to call his hometown home. He graduated from Robert F. Kennedy High School in 2019, where he quickly became known as both an exceptional student-athlete and an even better human being. As a standout offensive lineman for the Thunderbirds, Ivan helped lead the program through one of the most successful eras in school history, including a school-record 13-win season and a Central Section Division V Championship. His outstanding play earned him First Team All-State Small School honors from Cal-Hi Sports and First Team All-South Sequoia League recognition. Coach Mario Millan shared these words in remembrance of Ivan:

“Ivan was the kind of young man who made everyone around him better, from the classroom to the football field, Ivans impact went far beyond the game.”

— Coach Mario Millan, Robert F. Kennedy High School (Delano, California)

Although football showcased Ivan's strength, discipline, and determination, those closest to him knew that his greatest qualities could never be measured by statistics or awards. Standing tall with a quiet confidence, he was often described as a “gentle giant”. His warm smile, infectious laugh, and humble spirit had a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved, often putting others before himself without expecting anything in return.

Following high school, Ivan continued his football journey at California State University, Sacramento, where he proudly wore the Green and Gold as an offensive lineman for the Sacramento State Hornets.

During his collegiate career, Ivan appeared in 38 games with 36 starts, becoming a dependable leader along the offensive line. He earned Big Sky All-Academic honors in 2021 and Honorable Mention All-Big Sky Conference recognition in 2023. Throughout his career, he helped anchor one of Sacramento State's most successful offensive lines, contributing to a school-record rushing season and consistently protecting the offense at a high level.

In 2024, Ivan proudly graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, achieving a milestone that reflected years of dedication both on and off the field. He was incredibly proud of his education and excited for everything the future held.

He had an unmatched sense of humor and a way of turning ordinary moments into lifelong memories. Whether he was making everyone laugh with one of his jokes, pulling harmless pranks on his siblings, or simply sitting around with family, Ivan had a gift for bringing joy wherever he went. His presence made people feel at ease, and his absence has left a silence that words cannot describe.

More than anything, Ivan loved his family. He was a devoted son to his mother, Sandra Garza, and shared an unbreakable bond with his siblings, extended family, and countless friends who became family along the way. He celebrated their victories, supported them through hardships, and loved them wholeheartedly. His compassion and loyalty were constants in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

His family continues to hold tightly to the countless memories they shared with him while grieving the many milestones that will now exist only in their hearts, the career he was building, the dreams he was chasing, the family he would one day create, and the countless lives he still had left to touch.

While we will forever mourn the years we were denied, we remain endlessly grateful for the years we were blessed to have. Ivan taught us to work hard, love deeply, stay humble, and never take the people we love for granted.

His legacy lives on through every teammate who lines up on the field remembering his encouragement, every friend who smiles at one of his stories, every family member who carries his memory forward, and every act of kindness inspired by the way he lived his life.

To know Ivan was to know loyalty, laughter, humility, compassion, and unconditional love.

He was deeply loved.

He is profoundly missed.

He will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever 25. Our #52