Louis Salcido Garcia

Louis Salcido Garcia of Oxnard, CA, passed away on 5-13-14. He was born in Oro Grande, CA on Oct. 8, 1926, the son of Baldomero and Raquel Garcia. He was the third of seven siblings who grew up in Pacoima, California. Louis went to San Fernando High School and continued his education at San Fernando Valley State College, now Cal State University at Northridge and later attended USC to achieve his Masters in Public Health Administration. He was married to Sofia Mendoza Garcia for sixty four years. Louis S. Garcia had an illustrious personal and professional life. He started out from humble beginnings, joining the Merchant Marines to serve his country during World War II for which he was honored by the US Navy at his last birthday celebration. He worked his way through college and became a community organizer and mentor for at risk youth through CYO and Teen Post. As his career evolved he founded federally deemed community health clinics and retired as the Executive Director of Northeast Valley Health Corporation which now boasts more than a dozen medical clinics meeting the needs of underserved communities. The National Association of Community Health Centers now presents an achievement award for contribution and excellence in his name, the Louis Garcia Award. Possibly the height of his career was when he met with President Jimmy Carter at the Oval Office. Louie was very active in the community as a member of clubs and services such as the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club Int'l., the Los Angeles Commission of Alcohol and Dangerous Drugs as well as many other organizations too many to mention here. Anyone who knew Louie also knew that he was a bon vivant, loved life and all it had to offer. He loved the outdoors enjoying camping and fishing; he was an avid "lefty" golfer and craftsman in wood working; he loved to travel and loved his music. Louie always had a 'no problem' attitude and demonstrated his strength in his ultimate confidence. He is survived by his eight children, Adrienne Lostaunau and her husband William, of Oxnard; Gerald and his wife Alice, of Frazier Park; Martin, of Rancho Cordova; Sandra Velasquez and husband Robert, of El Rio; Candace Skor, of Simi Valley; Thomas, of Banning; Timothy and wife Gloria, of Port Hueneme and John, of Ventura. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Vigil on Tuesday May 20th from 4:00 to 8:30pm Rosary at 6:00pm at Utter McKinley Mortuary, 11071 Columbus Avenue, Mission Hills, CA 91345. Funeral Mass Wednesday May 21st at 10:30am San Fernando Mission Rey de Espana Chapel, behind the gift shop. Private Burial at Sea by invitation. In lieu of flowers please donate to Disabled Veterans Charities in his name.