EDWARD GARCIA

Edward Loriano Garcia Passed away peacefully on December 28, 2014 in Gig Harbor, WA. Edward (Eddie) was born in Lahaina, Maui August 9, 1930 to Hattie Ho'omanawanui Stevenson and Lorianola Garcia. At 17, Eddie joined the Army to escape the plantation life on Maui. He served and fought for our freedom in the Korean War. While serving in Korea he was introduced to a pen pal. They eventually met, and he married the love of his life, Lillian (Nani) Lau in 1953. After serving 10 years in the Army, he joined the Air Force and served an additional 10 years. As a member of the Armed Services he traveled throughout the world with Nani and their children. He served in Hawaii, Okinawa, Korea, the Philippine Islands, Texas, Spain and concluded his military duty at McChord AFB in Washington State. He retired with honors and a combined service of 20 years. Eddie loved Washington and upon retiring decided to remain and raise his four children here. He joined the Postal Service and was a mail carrier on Hill Top in Tacoma, WA. He retired after 19 years completing his service at the Bulk Mail Center in Federal Way, WA. Always grateful for his military career; Eddie's retirement years were spent volunteering with Nani (25+ years) at Madigan Army Medical Center. He loved gardening, oil painting, fishing and cooking meals for his family (always with Nani by his side). Eddie was the treasurer for the Pau Hana Gang; a group of local retirees with Hawaii connections. He organized various outings that included visits to Snoqualmie, Muckleshoot, Red Wind and The Emerald Queen Casinos. Eddie loved visiting Hawaii, Las Vegas and Reno. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lillian Nani Garcia. Children: Griffith Garcia (Teresa), Cheryl Bartell (Robert), Ashly Garcia (Pamela) and Gaylene Garcia (Tom), four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Siblings: Alipio Thomas (Junior) and Marie Halona Kauhola and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held on January 8, 2015 at Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood. Family viewing 9am - 10am; Public viewing 10am - 12pm; Services to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society.