David-Garcia-Obituary

David Garcia

Obituary

PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) - David Garcia, a pioneering Hispanic television journalist who became known as ''Earthman'' for his environmental reporting, has died. He was 63.

Garcia, who lived in Palm Desert, died Tuesday of liver failure at Eisenhower Medical Center, his former colleagues at KABC-TV, KNBC-TV and KTTV-TV reported.

Born in Temple, Texas, Garcia attended Baylor University and after college was hired by a radio station in his hometown. He moved on to the ABC television and radio affiliate in Dallas, to New York for the ABC radio network and then into ABC television.

Garcia was one of only a handful of Hispanics who were network television correspondents in the 1970s. He covered the White House, including the Watergate scandal and the Ford and Carter administrations.

He later was the network's bureau chief for Latin America, reporting on the Sandinista takeover in Nicaragua.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Garcia worked for various Southern California television stations, including KCBS-TV, KNBC-TV and KTTV-TV, where he was a full-time environmental reporter.

He got the nickname while working for KNBC-TV when a weatherman introduced an upcoming environmental story by joking that ''Earthman'' was on the way.


Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I didn't know of David's passing until the news reached me just today by way of a note included in a Christmas card I received that assumed I knew. I did not. I can't explain how intensely it hit me, but it did. I'm so sorry.

David graduated from Temple (Tx) High School in 1962. My brother, Joseph K. Bush, Jr. was his classmate and friend. Joe died in Laos in 1969 and David reported his death on the national news.
David, you made a difference! Rest in peace.

David and I were friends. In our youth we worked together at two Temple, Texas radio stations and I watched with pride as his career blossomed. It's hard to imagine a world without David Garcia. To Susie and Dave's family, I wish I had the words to adequately express my sorrow at your loss.

David & Susie Garcia-1999 Tournament of Roses Parade

David's wife, Susie, was the artistic designer for the Museum of Tolerance/Simon Wiesenthal Center float in the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade. Our firm was the float builder, and I took this photo of David and Susie before the parade. They were such a nice couple - so warm and friendly - and so incredibly talented individually. It was a pleasure to know them and I send my condolences to Susie and her family.

I went to high school with David. He was a good guy then and was obviously very successful in his life. Congratulations on your accomplishments, David, and I'm sorry you had to leave us so early.

Thank You, David.

David has been called to his home. My thoughts and prayers go out the the Garcia Family, Thank you for for allowing us time with your beloved David. He will be missed and we will all have the pleasure of seeing him once again.

I worked with Dave at WFAA in 1966. He had a great sense of humor and great warmth. I enjoyed our time together and mourn his passing.