Hundreds of friends, family and colleagues gathered in the Health Science Center’s Central Campus Auditorium July 6 to celebrate the life of Richard Garcia Jr., assistant vice president for South Texas programs, who died June 6 at age 64. President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., hosted the ceremony, which was also telecasted to the Health Science Center’s Laredo, Harlingen and Edinburg campuses.
“Too many of us didn’t get to say goodbye,” Dr. Cigarroa said. “So today we’re sharing our memories of a good friend and reliving his lifetime of accomplishments.”
Garcia, a skilled pilot and U.S. Marine, leaves a legacy at the Health Science Center, as he was instrumental in creating successful higher-education programs throughout South Texas.
Thursday’s ceremony included the presentation of colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, and reflections of Garcia’s life given by some of his closest friends and colleagues.
“From Del Rio to Brownsville, programs can be found with Richard’s fingerprints,” Dr. Cigarroa said. “He was so passionate about education and health care for South Texas that he took his work beyond the Rio Grande into universities in northern Mexico. He was a uniquely capable individual with a practical brilliance to bridge people and programs.”
Garcia was also well-known for being dedicated to his family. His wife, Georgia, attended the ceremony and was presented with several gifts from Maj. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, Ph.D., adjutant general of Texas; Harold Timboe, M.D., M.P.H., associate vice president for research; Mario Ramirez, M.D., vice president for South Texas programs; and Dr. Cigarroa.
In honor of Garcia, Maj. Gen. Rodriguez and Dr. Timboe presented Georgia with a Texas flag that has flown over the capital and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Award of Texas. The award honors members of the Texas Military Forces for outstanding achievement and service to Texas while performing a duty of great responsibility.
Drs. Ramirez and Cigarroa gave Georgia a special photo collage, symbolizing the efforts her husband put forth at the Health Science Center.
“Georgia, in this picture you’ll see just a glimpse of the fruits of Richard’s hard work,” Dr. Cigarroa said. “You can see our campuses in South Texas, which will continue to make a difference for generations to come. And behind it all was Richard – a true champion for South Texas.”
After the memorial service, guests enjoyed a reception in the auditorium foyer.
