Edward "Lalo Palo" Garcia

Edward was born on December 2, 1939 at at home in Brawley, California. He was the son of Panfilo and Antonia Garcia. Edward grew up in Brawley, California.

Edward was raised with five siblings. He had one older brother Art and one younger brother Lee, one older sister Willie and two younger sisters Irma and Norma. Edward was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Edward had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Edward was an active child who took part in football and track. He was also an altar boy. In his spare time he also liked to play the piano. Edward's memorable achievements included being active in drama and performed lead roles in school plays. He tried his acting in Hollywood. However, to Edward, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Edward had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Coalinga High School in 1959.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Edward enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Larry Oliver and Edward’s cousin, Fernando Aguirre.

On 1968 Edward exchanged wedding vows with Bertha Alvarez at St. Johns Cathedral of Fresno, California. Empathic and loyal, Edward was committed to making his new family happy.

Edward worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Edward was blessed with three children, one son, Edward and two daughters, Bianca and Shannon. Another blessing for Edward was the gift of four grandchildren, Adrian, Jahari, Kiara and Serenity.

Fortunately, Edward enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Edward worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. He initially worked in sales, working his way to top executive positions with two different tire and wheel companies, before owning and operating his own tire and wheel company. He later changed his occupation to a tax examiner, and hHe was employed for over 20 years with the Internal Revenue Service. Edward always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Edward was an Army and National Coast Guard veteran. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Edward found pleasure in sports. In high school, Edward played football and track. Recreational sports included running. Edward was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list was football, followed by boxing.

Edward enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included going to Cayucos with the family.

Edward was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a dog named Chato.

When Edward’s retirement finally arrived in 2013, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in attending his grandkids’ sporting events. Even in retirement, Edward continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Edward was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Edward passed away on December 21, 2015 at Fresno, California due to congestive heart failure/kidney failure/cancer. He is survived by his children, Edward, Bianca and Shannon; his grandchildren Adrian, Jahari, Kiara and Serenity; his brother Lee and his sisters Willie and Irma. Edward was laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery in Fresno, California.

Simply stated, Edward was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Edward leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.