Luis "Vicho" Garcia

Luis “Vicho” Garcia passed away peacefully on April 15^th, 2024. Luis was a US Army Veteran and fought during the Korean war. Upon returning home he began his career with the US Forest Service, where he retired from in 2003. His career with the forest service took him throughout the United States fighting fires. He was an avid cattle rancher throughout his life and devoted his time after retirement to spending it on the ranch with his cows. Every summer him and his wife enjoyed being in the mountains especially at their property in Tienditas. He loved including his family and friends when it came time for branding his cows, moving cows to the mountains, and taking care of his cattle. When he was not outdoors, you could find him at a Taos Tiger basketball game or watching sports at home. He was known to many for helping them with their taxes and for never saying no to anyone. 

Luis is preceded in death by his parents, Fidel and Margarita Garcia; siblings, Don and Gilbert Garcia, Raffy West, and Genie Martinez; parents-in-law, Beres and Rose Mondragon; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Mondragon and Edmundo Mondragon (Ida); sisters-in-law, Loyola Martinez (Patricio) and Lillian Mondragon; and special nephew Rick Mondragon. 

Luis is survived by his wife of 59 years Susan Garcia; nephew he raised Hugh Mondragon; Special Nieces, Rosita Rael (Brian) and Sierrita Harris (Jim);  nephew Andrew Rael (Kim) that was always by his Tio Vicho’s side, niece Alicia Rael (Steve) that he loved dearly.  He had 4 nephews he considered as his grandchildren; Jonathan, Wyatt, Coltyn, and Landen; siblings, Gloria Lindenfelser, Jr. Garcia, Fidel Garcia, and Uvaldo Garcia; brother-in-law, Manuel Mondragon; sisters-in-law, Cassandra Mondragon and Berna Mondragon, and numerous other nieces and nephews. 

Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:00am, Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church.  Interment will follow at 12:30pm at the Angel Fire Veteran’s Cemetery.