CENTER - On July 18, people filled the Center Consolidated School District gymnasium to bid farewell to their beloved teacher, coach, father, brother, husband, and friend Lloyd Garcia.  

Garcia passed away on July 11 peacefully after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. At the gym, people celebrated his life by walking in with hugs, inspiration, and well wishes for the family. Many people were wearing royal blue and white to honor Garcia and what he meant to the Center Consolidated School District.  

Garcia began teaching for the school district in 1977, in an interview that was held with Garcia and his wife Lillian, in November of 2024, he spoke of how he loved working for the school and what the school meant to him. “I taught for 36 years, and in the process, I coached baseball for two years as an assistant and for 36 years as a Head Coach. I also coached middle school, girls' basketball and boys' basketball, soccer and football and volleyball. I was kind of a Jack of all trades, but a master of none. The kids are what it's all about for me. They are all such great kids and such a joy to be around.”  

Although Garcia was retired, he continued to help with different events at the school including their math program.  

In November of 2024, the Center Consolidated School District held a benefit dinner for Garcia, to help him with some of his medical expenses. Garcia stated that he appreciated the support from the dinner. “I want to thank my family and friends and everyone for all the cards, letters, phone calls, texts. A special thank you to our son and daughter for everything they have done. They have set up computers for us to talk to everyone. I want to thank the Oncology department at SLV for the care that they have given to everyone. Also, a special thank you to the Poor Boy Car Club, and to the school and I am so grateful for everything everyone has done and continues to do. It has been a God send to have all of that. It’s great to have that kind of support. I didn't realize all that support was there, and it has been amazing.”  

Some of Garcia’s achievements include 38 years in education as a teacher, a coach, and being active on the school board for 10 years. He also served for the Center Fire Department. In 1997, Garcia received the Governor’s award for excellence in education, and he was inducted into the Adams State University’s Educators Hall of Fame, the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Center High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The Center High School Baseball Field was renamed in his honor in 2015.  

In the interview from November of 2024, Garcia stated that although he didn’t know how everything would turn out, he was going to look at everything and use his mom’s favorite saying, “One day at a time, Un Dia a La Vez. It’s all we can do.” 

At the funeral service, there was a beautiful slide show of Garcia that showed special treasured moments with his family, and in his life.