Leonard C. Garcia, 69, was welcomed into the light and love of the Lord on the evening of May 15th, 2024 after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. He held the honorable titles of husband, father, papo, brother, uncle and friend, all which immensely filled his heart with joy and gratitude. Leonard spent most of his life in Albuquerque, NM, but from 1972 to 1980, he served his country in the United States Air Force that took him overseas to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, where he became a decorated dog handler; the highlight of his military career. Upon returning stateside, he resided in California and Colorado before settling back to Albuquerque to begin work in civil service in the 377th zone for Electrical and Alarms.

After retiring from civil service, Leonard joined a team of research engineers at New Mexico Tech's Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center which not only provided support and research for testing materials to keep this country safe and prepared, but also attracted famous television shows which included Myth Busters and Man vs. Cartoon; all which Leonard starred and participated as an explosives engineer. Later in his career, Leonard's ability to envision and see the world from a different lens, inspired him to move his skills to the Petroleum Recovery Research Center as a field engineer. His final accomplishment was patenting a major water treatment invention that had the capability to bring clean water to areas of the world in need; an encompassing tribute to the spiritual work he committed to in his free time.

Knowing and loving God and his church was incredibly important to Leonard. As he reached retirement, he began serving as a volunteer for the Catholic Church's Encounter with Christ Prison Ministry program. His volunteerism included mentoring men who were about to be released from incarceration, seek and receive a brotherhood filled with guidance and support for a better life.

Throughout his life, Leonard was a car, motorcycle, water toy, and technology enthusiast. If it had a motor and operated in a fun and strategic way, he was all in. From sports cars to motorcycles (specifically Harley Davidson), he drove just about every single one he could get his hands on. And while he would research the best of the best for every toy he owned, he was more eager to share his passions with his family and friends. Whether it was a long motorcycle cruise through New Mexico, water skiing on the lake, fishing and hunting in the mountains, or snowboarding through plush white snow, it was more fun with family and friends at his side.

Leonard is survived by a network of family and friends that encompass a range of love and support. Specifically, his wife of 41 years, Lala Trujillo-Garcia; his daughter, Christina Garcia-Tenorio and husband Emmanuel Tenorio, and their children Jacob Hernandez and Elizabeth Tenorio; Siblings Judy Jiron, children and grandchildren, Dan Garcia and wife Jenny Garcia and children, and Vickie McCambridge and children. He was preceded in death by his Father, Marcelino "Moose" Garcia (2010), Mother, Helen Z. Garcia (2022), and beloved Brother-in-Law, Robert J. Jiron (2023).

The family would like to thank the network of friends, and family that have surrounded them with the love and support during the trials and tribulations that cancer evokes.

Please join us in the celebration of Leonard's life on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church (562 Atrisco Dr. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105) with a Rosary being recited at 9:30am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow at the parish hall, next door.

Leonard will be interred in a private family ceremony at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM on Monday, June 10, 2024.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to please donate, in Leonard's name, to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Network (PanCan.org) or the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.