Roland Garcia

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Roland Garcia who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Roland was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Roland knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

His parents were Eugene and Mercedes Garcia. Roland was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Even as a youngster, Roland learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Roland was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Roland was raised with 14 siblings. Roland had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Roland, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

Roland's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Roland enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Roland took part in football and baseball. In his spare time he liked baseball cards and football cards.

In school, Roland was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Roland was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Roland’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was print graphics.

An objective and conscientious individual, Roland reveled in the security of his family. One of Roland’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Roland was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Roland would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Roland was blessed with three children, Gabriel, Diana and Jacqueline. He was also blessed with four grandchildren, Elias, Francisco, Serina and Ruben Urbano.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Roland was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Roland was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Roland upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a truck driver. He was employed for 34 years. Roland was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Roland approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were pool, darts, baseball, football, fishing, volleyball, cards, dominoes, backgammon and chess. Roland was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Roland to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Roland played football. Recreational sports included fishing, football, baseball, golf and basketball. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball, basketball, golf, hockey and soccer.

A civic-minded person, Roland was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Roland was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Share Program. During these years, Roland applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Roland. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Marianne's.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Roland used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Roland had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Bishop, mountains and Big Bear.

Roland was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Roland’s favorites was Casey, a Chi- mix. They were best friends for 3 years. His family was rounded out by his 7 tropical fish.

Roland passed away on September 3, 2010 at St. Bernadine Hospital in San Bernardino, California. Roland fought a brave battle against liver and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife Guadalupe; his three children, Gabriel, Diana and Jacqueline; four grandchildren, Elias, Francisco, Serina and Ruben. Services were held at Mt. View Memorial Chapel. Roland was laid to rest in San Bernardino, California.

All who knew him would agree that Roland was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Roland Garcia did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.