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Javier Garza Obituary
MCALLEN - Mr. Javier Lindel Garza 60, passed away March 16, 2009 in Saltillo, Mexico.
Mr. Garza is remembered by his family and multitude of friends as a caring, compassionate man.
He spent a lifetime in public service, never forgetting his roots and always keen on helping to make this a better world. He spent his early career in the Valley working with the Model Cities program in Edinburg when he was fresh out of grad school. He went on to lead the Meals on Wheels and More of Austin, Texas program where he was instrumental in its phenomenal growth and success. He was last posted as the Country Director for the Peace Corps in Bolivia, following a similar posting in the Dominican Republic. When he returned to the US, he settled in Pharr, Texas where he devoted himself to caring for his parents.
Mr. Garza had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a bad joke. He was the "Master of the Pun" and always enjoyed a good laugh. He had eclectic tastes for music, art, and film and loved to travel. He shared these with all those who knew him and he leaves us with a wealth of good memories. Mr. Garza was a true and devoted friend to those of us lucky enough to have known him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Survivors include 1 daughter, Victoria Elise Garza of Berkeley, California; father, Jose Garza of Pharr, Texas; mother, Aurora Jalifi Garza of Pharr, Texas; 2 sisters, Melissa Vela of Edinburg, Texas and Denise Flores of Pharr, Texas and
1 brother, Rolando Garza of Pharr, Texas.
Viewing for family and friends will be held Saturday March 21, 2009 from 1 till 9 p.m. with a Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. at Rivera Funeral Home Chapel of Peace in McAllen, Texas. Chapel Service will be held Sunday March 22, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Rivera Funeral Home Chapel with cremation to follow.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rivera Funeral Home McAllen, Texas.
Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for Javier Garza
Eduardo Delci
September 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
J;J. /Veronica Marie Garza
June 26, 2012
today June 25, 2012 Lindy's father passed away. HE WAS a compassionate and hardworking man. He too help many people during their time of need. we will miss him greatly. Love you grandpa, father, suegro, brother and husband.
Charles (Andy) Vazquez
June 27, 2010
To the family and friends of Javier, I was saddened and in disbelief to learn of his tragic accident. My prayers and the hope that memories of him will serve to lessen your pain and sorrow are extended to you. Javier and I served together in Peru with "los paperos de TAMU". I was able to stay in touch with him throughout the years. But when ever we reconnected his warmth and concern made me feel as if no time had passed. Javier will be remembered and missed by all who knew him and felt his kindness. I have shared my memories of him with my family who now aware of the impact Javier had on me and many others.
Neil Ross
March 15, 2010
In his memory, I have given a gift to Fondo Quisqueya for a scholarship in the name of Javier Garza helping a Dominican to learn new skills that can change his/her career. Javier is remembered and still helps others.
Connie Taylor
October 16, 2009
To Lindy's family, I can only pray that the passage of time has lessened your sorrow and pain. I am so very sorry for your loss.
To Lindy's friends, our lives were made better for having known him and the world has been diminished by his death.
Memories of our youth spent with Lindy now have become precious by his passing ... the Balcones Fault concerts, the backyard bar-b-qs at Loganberry, the brilliant costume party, and the terrible jokes. Those terrible jokes always followed by that quiet chuckle.
We will miss you, Lindy.
Lindy's friends, wherever you are, please lift your glass in honor to a gentle spirit, a generous friend, a kind man, and a true believer in human goodness.
Michael Fjetland
October 15, 2009
I just heard about Javier's passing. What a sad day it was. I first met Javier in the 70's. He was special and, yes, loved the bad joke, which was about all the jokes any of us knew.
I once traveled to Bolivia to see him in the early 80's and was glad to see him back at work overseas. He had a special talent for international bridge building.
We shall miss you Javier!
G. Michael Fjetland aka "Fjet"
We shall miss him very much.
Melissa Taylor
October 14, 2009
Dear Garza Family
I just learned of Lindy's death. I have been Lindy's friend for 25 years. Often when I would come home to Texas, I would visit Lindy in Austin. We had lost touch when he took his last posting in the Peace Corps. Some old friends and I decided to try to track him down online. This is how we discovered his obituary.
He was a kind, funny, gentle person and we will all miss him.
Gloria Stackpole Walker
October 14, 2009
To Lindy's family,
I just learned of Lindy's tragic death and I am heartbroken at the news. I met Lindy in 1974 when I joined the Texas Department of Community Affairs where he was already working. We got to be great friends. We took a Bicentennial trip together to New Mexico and Colorado and I helped him decorate his new house on Loganberry in Austin. We had so much fun together and with other friends. He was always so glad to see family members when they came to visit. I remember Joe's stories about working on the Great Lakes. Then, as they say, we all "grew up," married and moved to other places. We managed to stay in touch and I got to spend a day with him some years ago in San Antonio when he took my boys and me and some friends to Sea World. I followed his Peace Corps adventures via the internet and was trying to link up again this year. His loss will be felt by so many people who were the recipients of his friendship, kindness and dedication to others. God Bless.
Pat Tuohy
May 22, 2009
To the Garza Family,
My heart felt condolences to you for this painful loss. I am very lucky to have been hired by Lindy when he was at the Tx Dept of Community Affairs in Austin in 1978. He was a gentle and decent man who brought a level of caring and integrity to the agency at at time when it was sorely needed. His loss will be felt by many.
George Leamon
May 13, 2009
Javier Garza was an amazing person with a contagious energy. He undoubtedly made a positive impact on numerous individuals both before and after his role as Peace Corps Country Director. As PCVs serving in the Dominican Republic under Javier’s direction, we came to recognize and admire the spirit and dedication to service that Javier naturally embraced.
To honor his life we have sent flowers to his family. We have also made a group donation to the Dominican Republic Country Fund in his name. The money will support volunteer and community projects throughout the Dominican Republic. For a person that lived a life of service, we felt it appropriate to create a fund that allows others to continue the work that he valued and embodied.
Javier was an outstanding individual whom will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Garza family.
Respectfully,
Peace Corps Volunteers - Dominican Republic 2003-2006
Neil Ross
May 10, 2009
Javier and I met while he served as the 24th Peace Corps Director in the Dominican Republic from 2003 to 2005. Then he went to Bolivia as the Peace Corps Director until 2007. In the 1970s he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru.
I remember him as an always friendly, soft spoken, and cooperative leader whose door was always open to any Peace Corps Volunteer, staff, and to me. He was very committed to facilitating program progress with the Friends of the Dominican Republic while I was its President. He worked closely with us in planning the very successful 45th Anniversary PCDR conference and reunion held in Santo Domingo in 2005. Javier and I shared many happy times together during my annual visits to that country.
His accidental death while riding in a tourist bus in Mexico was an untimely tragedy. His family and many Peace Corps friends sadly miss Javier and his always-present smile.
Armando Garza
April 11, 2009
Lindy,as we knew him while we were in school, will be missed by all his classmates, especially by the PSJA Class of 1966. I was not in the Valley for my
friend's funeral. I learned the sad details while I was away. I want to express my most heartfelt sympathies to
Lindy's family.
Armando O.Garza, Class of '66, PSJA
Holly Hubler
April 2, 2009
Dear Garza Family:
My heart and prayers go out to you for Javier's passing. Javier was a wonderful man, warm and kind-hearted with a great "joie de vivre". I knew Javier when he was the Peace Corps Director in Santo Domingo. He invited me to dinner on numerous occasions and also invited my mother and me to a wonderful restaurant in a cave. He was such a caring person -- he once drove me to the airport at 2 a.m. to pick up my sister who was coming for a visit -- now that is a friend. He always reached out to others and had an embracing and compassionate way about him that made everyone feel like family. He loved the Peace Corps Volunteers as if they were his own sons and daughters. I will treasure the memories of all the good times we shared together and will always remember his fun sense of humor. The loss of Javier is the loss of a great man. His spirit will live on in us and will inspire us to reach for higher ideals in our life work and to to be kind to others. Javier made our lives better and the world a better place. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Holly Hubler
U.S. Mission to UNESCO
Paris, France
C Reinert
April 1, 2009
I had the opportunity of working with Javier during my Peace Corps service in the Dominican Republic. He was a great leader and opened his home and heart to all the volunteers. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Ben and Millie Beall
March 29, 2009
We had the honor of serving under Javier in Peace Corps Bolivia. As Country Director, he had a tough task. He opened his home to all of us for holidays and embraced us as family. We join you in your memories of a good man
Ben and Millie Beall, Bolivia 46
Julie Bell
March 27, 2009
For some reason, the best seem to be taken earlier than they should. I'm sure there is a reason, maybe they deserved to get into Heaven before most of us. My heartfelt condolences to this great man's friends and family.
Linda Bateman
March 25, 2009
Photos of Javier Lindel (Lindy) Garza
To all of his family and to the many friends of Lindy. If any of you have any current photos of him would you all please post them on his guest book. I am sure we all would love to see them.
I am his cousin Linda and will miss him very much.
Alberto Y Liz Keller
March 25, 2009
To the Garza family
Our heart-felt condolences on the tragic loss of Javier. We were with him as Peace Corps volunteers in Cuzco, Peru in the 1970s and had a special fondness for him. We lost touch for 25 years but then re-connected in 2006 on the internet. We exchanged some voluminous letters and photos. His letters were always full of warmth. We had hoped to meet up some time in the future; alas not to be. Life is fragile and unpredictable. We shall savour the memories of the moments that we had with him as we are sure you and all of his friends will do.
You are on our minds at this difficult moment.
Yours sincerely
Alberto and Liz Keller
Matthew Kaye
March 25, 2009
Dear Elise,
My heart and thoughts are with you. Javier was a very special friend. Tess and I had looked forward to seeing him in May. Your father made a very positive impact on my life, for that, I am grateful.
Anonymous
March 24, 2009
Well done, good and fatihful servant.
That s the Scripture that best describes this wonderful man's total dedication to helping people in need -- with humility, respect and humor.
I am so sorry he is gone because his work meant so much to so many in the Austin community.
God will be glad to add him to the Angels in Heaven because he was an Angel here to so many.
And everyone who knew him was truly blessed!
Jo Ann Garza-Lopez
March 23, 2009
To Tia Aurorita, Tio Joe, Melissa, Rolando and Dini, it was great to see all of you except for Tio Joe which I understand why his presence wasn't there. I'm sorry for your loss, I heard alot of great things from my brother Orlando who knew him well. Melissa, I hope you have a speedy recovery from your physical iujuries. I know emitonally and mentally it will take some time but, my prayers go out to all of you. I love you guys and hope we can see eachother in a much better circumstance. He will be missed by many but know in your hearts he is in a better place where one day all of us can see him again. I was so glad I got the chance to see you all but, I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to know Lindy but I know I will hear great stories from my father and Orlando and anyone who knew him well. Please feel free to e-mail me or call me. You can get that info from my father or Orlando.
Peace, love and happiness always,
Jo Ann
Aida Garza Alanis
March 22, 2009
To the Garza Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Living in the same neighborhood as a young child, I remember Lindy and the entire family. He indeed will be greatly missed by the ones whose lives he touched daily. Keeping you in prayer during this difficult time.
Maria Aida Garza Alanis
Amie Rodnick
March 22, 2009
I was on the search committee of Meals on Wheels back in 1987 when we sifted through more than 400 applications, and Javier was the standout in a field of impressive applicants. I had the privilege of working with him when I was president of the MOW board and of sharing good conversation over dinner on a number of occasions thereafter. What a senseless accident. Javier will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tere Garcia
March 22, 2009
Denise and Garza family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. Even if I did not know him personally, Leo shared some beautiful memories of the friendship you all shared. May you find comfort in knowing that he touched so many people and left a beautiful legacy.
Mark Lundquist
March 22, 2009
To the Garza family: May you be blessed with the many good memories of Javier at this time. I hope you experience comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Margaret J. Gomez
March 22, 2009
To the Garza Family: my deepest condolences on your loss of a wonderful person who asked that we all share in his mission to help the poor in this community--and we did. May your memories keep you going because surely there are many. I know he is in God's loving arms.
Nancy & Bill Bustillos
March 22, 2009
To the Garza family and especially to Elise, our niece, we offer our sincere sympathy in the loss of Lindy . May his love for family keep him close to your
hearts forever.
Isabel (Bel) Nafegar-Sanchez
March 21, 2009
Dear Garza Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I sign this guest book. Today, I heard from a mutual friend of Lindy's passing.
I first met Lindy while at the University of Texas in Austin. Lindy and Arnulfo introduced me to the wonderful Rio Grande Valley. I recall sitting in the Garza living room visiting with the family and enjoying Lindy's sense of humor.
He was always a good friend who tried to stay in touch. His long letters from Peru always made me feel like we were sitting around "visiting".
While I had not seen Lindy in many years, I can still sense his sweet smile and warm abrazo. He was a loving individual who I know will be greatly missed.
May God grant you solace at this tough time and may you feel Lindy's warm smile and abrazo at those times when you most need them.
Rosy Jalifi
March 21, 2009
Tia Aurorita, Tio Joe, and Primos -
For the past 2 days I have been mulling and mulling in my mind and heart the tragic loss of our beloved Lindy and I still have a deep feeling of disbelief.
I have spent time reading articles and commentaries about my cousin, Lindy, and I can see that he has left a memorable legacy -- not only the fruits of his labor but also the kindness of his heart. I know Lindy would be humbled by all the words of admiration and appreciation that people are sharing with you.
I pray that God will grant Lindy eternal rest and that God will send His loving solace to your hearts at this time of sorrow.
Linda & James Bateman & family
March 21, 2009
Tio Joe and Tia Aurorita, Rolando, Melissa and Denise our prayers and thoughts are with all of you and your families today and always. As I have said many times, Lindy was always the glue and rock of your family. He always tried to be a great and considerate son and brother to his family. Even though he had only been home for such a short time, I know things were getting better for all of you with his presence. Apparently God had better plans for him and took him from us too soon.
I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have of the times we spent together with Lindy.
I will never forget the trip to the Valley for Tia’s 81st. Birthday and how much fun it was being there with Lindy and them. Also the trip to San Antonio when we came to pick up Lindy and Elise in Austin and went to Sea World. The trip down was great, especially when I was with the two Kings of PUNS (James & Lindy). They both tried to out do the other.
Our hearts are broken, but just keep his memory alive with all the wonderful things he accomplished in just the short time that we had him in our lives. Rest assured that he did touch many lives and made a differences in theirs.
March 21, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Lindy at Edinburg Model Cities in the early 70's. He was a consumate professional, with a great sense of humor and early in his career already exhibited his compassion for others. Years later our paths would cross again here in Austin and it was as if we had never been apart. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. He wil be missed by all who knew him, especially those of us who shared in his love of puns!
Exiquio (Zeke) Salinas
Austin, Texas
Charese Lande
March 21, 2009
To the Garza family, this poem comforted me when my father died.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush
I am the soft uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die. Anonymous
May you have comfort at this time. My sincere condolences.
Irma Hinojosa
March 21, 2009
I remember Lindy as a beautiful child. I knew he had grown to be a good man when I heard he joined the Peace Corps. I'm sorry we didn't know him better.
Love to the family. My prayers are with you.
Betsy Clemons
March 20, 2009
I had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Meals on Wheels while Javier was the executive director. He was a joy to work with. He will be greatly missed.
Janie Flores
March 20, 2009
To the Garza Family,He was my cousin and I just heard about it today.May he rest in peace and he will be remembered by all of us.
Bobbie Garza-Hernandez
March 20, 2009
Elise and Family: I send you prayers and my deepest condolences. I had the honor and distinct pleasure of knowing Javier and calling him "friend." I treasure the times I spent with him and the good wisdom he shared. He had impeccable values and a beautiful heart.
We were fortunate to have had him in our lives. love and courage,
March 20, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Garza, Meli, Deenie & Roly, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened for the loss of Lindy. My heart is hurting right now. Although we lost contact with each other, I've never forgotten all of you. I know that Lindy will be deeply missed.
Margarita Sanchez Garcia
Austin/Round Rock
Criseldza Campos
March 20, 2009
May God bless you & your family in this time of sorrow, and May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Chris Salvagio
March 20, 2009
Javier, had a huge heart and his advice and counsel were helped by many. I know for one Peace Corps Bolivia would not have been the same without him. He is missed and his memory will live on through the many that he helped.
Linda Horton
March 20, 2009
I had the opportunity to meet Javier through my work with Travis County. He was a kind, compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor. It was a pleasure to work with someone so dedicated to helping people, and who went about doing his work with great joy. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and I hope your happy memories bring you peace and healing from this tragic loss.
Mike McCann
March 20, 2009
Javier was a wonderful friend who had outstanding values and a great sense of humor. I was fortunate to have known him for the past 20 years. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and especially to his daughter.
Martha Burchers
March 20, 2009
I remember Javier as a soft-spoken, take action kind of man. He reached out to Round Rock Meals on Wheels when we needed help to serve the people here. He was such a kind and generous man. I'm so glad I had the chance to know him.
Mary Ellen Makelky
March 19, 2009
To the family of Javier Garza I offer my prayers and deepest sympathy. May God rest his soul and leave you with only the memories of the happiest moments of his life. He now shares his new life with his creator.
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