Blas Thomas Garcia

Blas Garcia, a longtime Hanford resident, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, in a Visalia hospital after a sudden illness.

Blas was born on Nov. 29, 1943 in Hanford to Thomas and Ruth Garcia.

Blas was known as a funny, loving, caring, compassionate, giving gift from God. He loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed most of all seeing them play and being children. As a proud father, daily he would wonder what his children were up to and if they were in need he would be there in a split second. Blas enjoyed participating in Little League and Cub Scouts. He loved making people laugh. His belief was like the song "Don't worry be happy" and the saying "Don't sweat the small things." Due to the fact that he loved people Blas is considered to be LOVE, he enjoyed life.

As a retiree he enjoyed doing handyman work for the elderly and people in need of fixing the necessities people had in their home. He was known as being reliable and friends were able to count on him when a job needed to be done right and would get out of his way to assist when needed.

Blas was a good listener, a good friend. In the short time that he lived in this world he was a spiritual human being, he enjoyed going to church on Sundays with his "Sweetheart" his "Lady" his better half/soul mate Mary Elizabeth and would put into practice the word of God by showing and giving love.

Blas was a loving brother, father, uncle and dear friend to all that knew him. He will be remembered as someone who had a great sense of humor. Blas enjoyed working on different projects which kept him very busy. He had a kind and generous heart that will be forever missed by all that loved him.

Blas is survived by his soul mate, Mary Elizabeth Hernandez of Hanford; a brother, John Garcia of Los Altos; sisters, Eugenia Gonzales of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Sally Canchola and Mercy Grijalva of Hanford; his children, Bernadette (Garcia) Marez of Fresno, Blas Thomas Garcia Jr., of Visalia, Jennifer Rose Garcia of Fresno and Jerret Alan Garcia of Hanford; his grandchildren, Gabrielle Gomez of Selma, Xavier, Eddie, Evan, Elaine, Elias, Evette and Evonne Marez of Fresno and Deana Jade Garcia of Visalia; 11 nieces and nephews; 18 great-nieces and nephews; four great-great-nieces and nephew. He will be forever in the hearts of his family and friends. Blas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ruth Garcia; and his brother, Marcelo J. Garcia.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Brigid Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Services Chapel in Hanford.