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Ernest Garcia Obituary

Ernest (Ernie) A. Garcia, best known by family and friends as "Zeke", passed away on Oct. 14, 2014 doing what he loved, riding his 10-speed bike down the Tulsa Riverside bike trails of Oklahoma. Zeke was an inspiring, gifted man who never allowed obstacles to get in his way from fulfilling his dreams of living life to the fullest. He was our "go-to-guy" for many of life's challenges, both large and small. Zeke was an avid Denver Bronco fan. He loved playing football and drag racing with his 3 younger brothers while keeping a close eye on his "little" sister. He encouraged us to get a good education, stay healthy and be happy. He had great wisdom, insight, understanding and encouragement. A genuine problem solver, never patronizing but guiding us through life's many ups and downs with integrity and sincere empathy. Zeke was a gifted martial artist, appreciating both the physical and philosophical side of Tai-Chi, Tai-Kwon-Do, Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet-Kun-Do, and several styles of traditional Chinese Kung-Fu (which explains his compassion for living) with numerous trophies and awards. His greatest passion was expressed through his artist talent for painting, sketching, sculpture and graphic design; leaving behind many beautiful and aspiring pieces to be remembered by. Zeke received certificates from The Art Institute of Colorado and San Francisco and attended Berkley University of California majoring in Computer Science. Zeke was a real outdoorsman; he loved snowboarding and hiking in the breath-taking Rocky Mountains. He enjoyed biking on country roads and mountain trails, windsurfing, hang gliding, fishing, camping under the stars and playing golf with his best friend Todd. Zeke served a short term with the National Guard. He then started working for Chevron USA in Littleton CO where he worked as a Designer/Draftsman. Zeke was relocated by Chevron USA to Northern California where he purchased his first home in the town of Martinez in the Bay Area. In 2004, he and his family moved to Pawhuska, Okla. and purchased a beautiful home on 5 acres. He worked in Tulsa as a Designer/Draftsman for EASI where he was best remembered for his kind and loving spirit and great sense of humor. And let's not forget his famous "Salsa" and Name game. Zeke will always hold a special place in all of our hearts as a man who lived his dreams and touched the lives of so many. We will miss him very much. He is survived by: his wife Jioll, son Jacob, step-son Joseph Cinelli; his mother Helen Kavanaugh, his father Ernest (Dorothy) Garcia, brothers: John Garcia, Joseph Espinosa, Kenneth Kavanaugh and his sister Rose Garcia-Delgado. A memorial mass will be held in his honor on Friday, November 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption located on 78th & York St.

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Published by Denver Post on Nov. 2, 2014.

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Rose Garcia

February 14, 2021

Happy Valentines Day❤ Brother Zeke! I miss you so much.
We lost a brother with a heart of gold. How much we miss him can never be told.
He shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow in his footsteps we never go wrong. He was a brother so very rare, content in his home and always there.
On earth he toiled, in heaven he rests, God bless you brother, you were the best!
Each time we look at your picture, you seem to smile and say "don't be sad but courage take, and love each other for my sake".
The happy hours we once enjoyed, how sweet their memory still, but death has left a vacant place, this world can never fill.
We think about you always we talk about you still. You have never been forgotten, you never will.
We hold you close in our hearts and there you will remain guiding us through our lives until we meet again.
I Love you my big brother always and forever
Sis

August 1, 2017

Zeke and Rose

August 1, 2017

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER! I miss you so much. Today, as I drove to Dad's house, I noticed a flashing light following behind me. As it got closer I could see that it was a man fully clothed in a really cool racing outfit. His helmet was awesome as well. I thought for a second that I'd better move aside or speed up because he seemed to be going at the speed of light. Then sudden it dawned on me that to was YOU doing what you loved best! Then in a flash, you were gone. Thank you for letting me know you are joyfully living your life in the spirit of our Lord. What a blessing and a miracle. I miss you Brother and wish I could hug you for your Birthday but I can't so always know that your legacy will continue to live in our hearts forever.
I Love you, Sis

Your memory lives on in my heart Brother

Rose Delgado

August 1, 2017

Riley Hassler

July 15, 2016

Watching the tour has me thinking about big Ern. Went to the pony today and had a couple peddles, I hope he is pleased with me. Miss ya Ern

Dec 2013

Kenneth Kavanaugh

November 5, 2015

Ernest Anthony Garcia.

My Big Brother.

"Zeke"
That's the nickname we all grew up knowing him by. I don't know the whole story of where it came from, but I guess it's really not that important. My Big Brother Zeke was my idol as a kid, so smart, so damn cool, just so, well..... EVERYTHING that has made my Big Brother simply Legendary in my Heart and mind through-out my life.

Zeke was an avid Denver Bronco fan, an accomplished artist in painting, sketching, and sculpture as well as a musician, playing guitar and bass. He was an accomplished martial artist skilled in Tai-Kwon-Do, Jiu-Jitsu, Jeet-Kun-Do, and several styles of traditional Chinese Kung-Fu as well as Tai-Chi, with numerous trophies and awards. He was also an avid snowboarder and skier, and a real outdoorsman. Of course, he loved biking and riding the country roads and trails.

He was the leader of our Family, our "go-to-guy" for any of Life's many problems, both large and small. He always had such wisdom, such insight, understanding and encouragement. A genuine problem solver. Never patronizing, but with honest and sincere empathy. And yet, he carried himself with such humility.

My Big Brother was a man of great integrity as well.... but that's not to say he was above hiding us in the trunk of his car to sneak us all into the drive-in theatre on a Friday night! I remember the first time he took me for a ride in his big old Desoto. What a tank! And how I felt I was the coolest little kid in the neighborhood as I rode around with my Big Brother! We spent a lot of summer days playing football with our two middle brothers and the neighborhood kids in the back yard, or out in the street, going on hiking or fishing trips in the nearby mountains... I remember him taking us to this place that rented mini-bikes to ride around the trails doing jumps and spraying dirt in big waves as we did power slides around the corners, me just a little guy of 7 or 8, scared, but holding on tight to my Big Brother. You see, I knew I could trust him. He would always keep me safe, never allow any harm to come my way.

We grew older, he of course graduating, working and moving into his own place, and me going to school and trying to find my place in the world. We didn't get to hang out as often, but when we did, it was quality. Every now and then he'd invite me to come over and spend the night at his place. We'd play chess, stay up late watching Sci-Fi, Monty Python or Mel Brooks movies, ( he did a hilarious Marty Feldman "Igor" impersonation from Young Frankenstein!) all the while pigging out on pizza, nachos, and all manner of junk foods. Sometimes we would go 4 wheeling in his Jeep CJ5, what rockin good times!

Through my late teens and adolescence, I lost my way, and got into a lot of trouble... crime and drugs. I had to "go away" for awhile, and in my shame, tried to utterly alienate myself from my family and was very nearly successful. My Big Brother wasn't having any of it though! He always stayed in touch with me, always encouraging me to just allow myself to live up to my potential, which, according to him, was absolutely limitless. He was THERE for me, always.

As I matured and became a man, I worked hard to be the best person I could be, because my Big Brothers' influence gave me the confidence to TRY. He always encouraged me to keep moving along after my failures, and heartily congratulated me on my successes. He eventually moved with his own Family to a beautiful 5 acre place in Pawhuska Oklahoma, and I moved to Rapid City S.D. We always stayed in touch, texting during the week, and calling to chat on weekends. Sometimes we'd talk for hours, or just a few short minutes, but every time we talked the bond between us was always confirmed. In the summer of 2013, my Fiance' Mara, and I bought our first Home together, and when I told him about it he was just so proud of me, and congratulated me so sincerely I was fighting back tears of happiness. It was so meaningful to me that the person I idolized so much could be so proud of me.

Last Christmas, my Big Brother came to S. Dakota to spend the holiday with us, and even though it was only 4 short days, we had a blast! It was my turn to be the host and tour guide, and we all shared a sense of wonder and fun at being together with family seeing the local sites; Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, the beauty of the Black Hills, etc. He taught us how to play the Name Game which was about naming well known or famous people. Something so simple and so much fun, so much laughter together as family!

My Big Brother. What can I say about him? Honestly, I can go on and on and on..... But you know, there simply isn't enough time, nor enough words to describe the love I feel for him.

And how much I miss him....

The influence you have had upon my life is so profound, so meaningful, words can never capture the depth. So positive, so encouraging, so caring, sincere, and humble...... My Big Brother. I was so blessed and lucky to have you in my life, and when I think of you, I always see that quirky, mischievious smile and hear your laughter and words of wisdom, and encouragement. I know that our Sister and all of our Brothers feel same and think of you every bit as highly as I do. We will be a bit lost without you, but we will carry on in the spirit of your wisdom and encouragement, just as you would want us to do.

Rest well Big Bro, I love you, and in time, we'll laugh together again....

October 14, 2015

Dear Brother Zeke, I still can't believe your gone. I keep telling myself you're safe in Oklahoma, riding your bike along the trail and feeling the breeze in your face as you race down the hills of the Pawhuska valley. But the reality is that a year has passed and now only memories of what a terrific "Big" brother you were to me remain intact. I wish you were here right now so that I could tell you how much I love you and miss you. But now only memories keep us bounded together. I see signs of you every now and then and it remains me that you are close at hand, watching over me, still. As I type this memorial I hear your words of wisdom and comfort saying:"don't cry Sis, be happy and be safe". I love you Bro and I will continue to celebrate your legacy with honor. Heaven is an awesome place and I can't wait to see you again. MUCH LOVE, Your Sis Rose

Mark Pulger

May 20, 2015

I just got news of this & I'm deeply saddened by it. My deepest and sincere condolences to Ernie's wife Jill, his mother Helen, his two sons Jacob & Joseph as wells as his entire family!
May God comfort you all during this great loss!

It's been a long time since I have seen Ernie but I will always remember him as my best friend at Chevron as well as outside of Chevron. We were great pals in the nineteen eighties & nineties.

How I met Ernie:
In 1981 a real hot looking babe at Chevron quit her job, after that Chevron replaced her with Ernie and of course I was not too thrilled in meeting Ernie!

It didn't take long for me to get over that, Ernie and I quickly became friends because he had a love for the outdoors and we soon became ski buddies. We skied most the resorts in Colorado and thanks to Ernie I became a pretty good skier because I had no choice but to keep up with him while going down the double diamond slopes!

We also did a lot of bike riding on the trails around Denver & I also remember the rafting trip that a bunch of us guys from drafting went on with Ernie. We all had a great time and we could always count on Ernie to liven things up!

I also enjoyed the times when the drafting department went out for happy hour on the Glendale strip, Ernie made sure we had a good time and we sure did!
I know that Ernie was known by his family as Zeke but at Chevron he was known as the big E.

In 1988 Chevron transferred both Ernie and I to San Ramon California. Naturally we took advantage of that, we skied the mountains of California, bicycled Bollinger canyon quite often and other cool places in California. We also hiked the trails of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park which was breath taking!

I also remember when Ernie took up wind surfing in Colorado and became really good when he moved to California. I remember one day I went wind surfing with him at San Francisco Bay. I couldn't wind surf worth a damn, so I just kicked back drinking beers while watching Ernie master the waves. I should have brought a video cam that day!

Ernie and I were roommates while I lived in San Ramon California; we lived right at the top of Bollinger Canyon which we had a great view of the San Ramon valley, close to the bike trails and minutes away from Chevron Park. Ernie and I worked different shifts, I worked during the day and he worked at night and that worked out great since we were not around to bug each other during the week.

Though we didn't see each other much during the week, we still managed to keep each other engaged by playing a game of chess. I would think carefully at night and move a piece then during the day Ernie would make his move. It would take about two months to finish a game but it was cool hobby Ernie and I had.

I will always remember Ernie as an adventurous guy, full of life and a guy who had a big heart made of gold. He was always there to help a friend out when in need.

The only thing I regret is that I didn't hang out with Ernie enough when I lived in California and didn't email him more often while we parted ways.

Ernie you touched my life in a big way and thank you for being my friend!

When my time expires from this world, I do expect to see Ernie greeting me when I arrive in heaven. So until till then big E. Enjoy the great wonders in heaven!

I miss you Ernie - God's speed!

Mark Pulger

[email protected]

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Me & my Big Brother, Mt Rushmore, Dec. 2013

Ken Kavanaugh

January 21, 2015

Rose Garcia Delgado

January 13, 2015

Brother Zeke, I see this beautiful image of the ocean in the clouds and think of you. You created and shared this painting with me a long time ago and when I look at it, it brings happy feelings and comfort to my soul. I miss you so very much. 2014 Christmas wasn't the same, how could it be, you were not here to share your favorite hoiday with us. I know in time I will be able to move on and think only of the many heartfelt memories you leave behind without feeling the sorrow that is still so fresh. You are deeply missed and I think of you each and every day. Please look after all of us "Angel Solider". You will always hold a very special place in my heart. I love you Brother.
Sis

November 3, 2014

My sincere sympathies go out to Zeke's entire family. He touched so many lives in a positive way. I will always treasure Christmas at our home, 2013, because that is the only time I met him. Thanks for the good memories Zeke! Wakan Tanka Kici Un......

Zeke opening up his Christmas sock ~ 2013

Tamara Kavanaugh

November 3, 2014

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Memorial Mass

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Our Lady of Assumption

78th & York St., CO

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