On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Raymond Bertran Garcia passed away at the age of 81. He was born on September 12, 1939, in Springer, NM. He was the third child (out of 10) of Emma and Jose Garcia.

When he was 18 years of age he enlisted in the military. He served in both the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Airforce. After 14 years of service he was honorably discharged, and moved to Albuquerque, NM. He then enrolled in college, and graduated from the University of Albuquerque. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

He had numerous jobs throughout his long life. However, the job he found the most satisfying was when he worked for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. He was able to run various 12 step programs specifically targeted to the needs of Veterans. He retired from the VA, but actually never stopped working! He continued to help those in need.

He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He rejoiced in their many accomplishments. He didn't live near all of his immediate family, but still managed to maintain close relationships.

On September 6, 2002, he married San Juana Perez Herrera. They adored each other, and had 19 wonderful years together. Together they enjoyed daily bible study, caring for their large property, watching the wildlife that visited them regularly, and relished their grand daughter Lila's daily antics.

Wisdom, faith, and an extraordinary sense of humor, were the gifts he readily shared with family, friends, and strangers!

Family would regularly seek his counsel with problems that arose in their lives. He read the Bible daily, and was not hesitant to share his faith. We will all sorely miss his daily scripture posts on Facebook! Then there was his sense of humor. He wasn't one to tell you a joke, but would break into an improvisational act at the spur of the moment. He often had his "audience" laughing until they cried!

We will miss you more than words can say, but will always carry your memory in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Jose Garcia and his brother Joe Garcia.

He is survived by his Brothers and Sisters;  Francis Valdez, Leo (Harriet) Garcia, Alice Viduarri, Emma Schall, Edward Garcia, Elaine (Keith) Pearl, John Garcia, Cynthia Schanwald,  Children; Timothy (Valerie) Garcia, Mona (Kenny) Garcia, Lisa Garcia, Peggy (Larry) Boettger, Jonathan Garcia, Judy Gonzales,  Grandchildren; Jessica, Keith, Angelique, Carmen, Danica, Ian, Lucas, Hannah, Lucy, Lila,  and Great Grandchildren; Elizabeth and Lilliana.

A memorial graveside will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.