Julian Leon Garcia

January 9, 1920 - November 26, 2016

Julian León Garcia peacefully passed away at the age of 96 on Saturday, November 26 in his San Jose home.

Julian, the patriarch of the Garcia Family, is survived by his three children, daughters Lilia Chavez, and Olga Terrell, and son Xavier E. Garcia; his seven brothers and sisters; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Julian leaves behind a legacy of a classic hard working American immigrant making a better life for his family in the USA. Born in San Dionisio Yauhquemecan, Tlaxcala, México in 1920, he immigrated to the United States under the Bracero Program in the 1940’s. The Bracero Program settled him in the idyllic California coastal town of San Luis Obispo, California to work in the Roundhouse of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He soon brought his wife Victoria to the United States and they became US citizens. When they closed the Roundhouse he retired from Southern Pacific Railroad and was hired by Greyhound lines in San Luis Obispo.

Julian’s love for the outdoors was particularly enjoyed during those years in San Luis Obispo. Fishing in nearby lakes or off the piers in Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and many of the other nearby coastal towns. His joy of fishing took him onto other adventures. Discovering how to hunt for abalone at low tide in Morro bay was a new found joy, along with learning about how to go beach clamming for large Pismo clams. Deer hunting and rabbit hunting was only minutes away from where he lived in San Luis Obispo. Hunting, fishing and the other many outdoor activities soon became his great hobby.

Sharing his joy of the outdoors with his family was a mainstay in his life. Taking them on weekly beach adventures, trips to Yosemite, and Sequoia National parks, Kings Canyon and many other California destinations. This led to trips to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego and long road-trips back to his home town in Mexico. His growing love of travel was soon to become a never quenching thirst for sightseeing later in life.

In 1969 Julian transferred from San Luis Obispo to the San Jose Greyhound line Station. He continued to work there until his retirement in 1985. With his children growing and seeking their own direction in life he became active member of the Knights of Columbus, Santa Clara, CA as a First Degree Knight.

Julian faithfully cared for his wife after her accident in 1986, never leaving her side for the next 16 years. His dedication to the health and well-being to his ailing wife set an indelible impression to his entire family. Following her death in 2002 he found the strength within to enjoy and celebrate life with his children and growing family of six grandchildren. Trips with his children took him to Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Holy Land of Israel, Canada, various parts of México, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Alaska. Travel with his children became his passion, and he especially enjoyed National Parks and scenic areas around the country. His love of travel led him to invite his entire family to join him on a 7 day Hawaiian cruise ship vacation in the summer of 2007. His six wonderful grandchildren continually visited him and admired him for his personality, his love for life, and as a tower of strength that set an example to all.

He kept active six days a week during his last 30 years by rising early each morning by 5am, and taking his 45-minute morning walk around his neighborhood greeting other early morning neighbors. Sunday was a day of rest and religious obligations. Julian was a devote Catholic his entire life. Attending church a minimum of once a week, donating to the church, the Red Cross, Veterans, and his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Julian was a devoted husband, a strong father figure, a loving grandparent and great grandparent, and never faltered helping his siblings or other family members, both here and in México. Julian was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as he passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home as he has now joined his beloved grandparents, parents, brothers, sister, and loving wife, Victoria.

Julian the devoted and faithful husband of 54 years, was laid to rest next to his late wife, Victoria Garcia, on Tuesday, December 6, on what would have been their 69th wedding anniversary, in the mausoleum at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.