Robert Garcia passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2008, after a courageous battle with pneumonia. He is at peace with his Creator. A Rosary, led by Msgr. Ronald Swett, will be said for Robert at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 27, 2008, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Msgr. Michael Braun, at 7:00 PM. Visitation will be at Hopson Anspach Mortuary Friday, June 27, 2008, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Graveside Services will be Saturday, June 28, 2008, at 11:00 AM at Union Cemetery. On August 15, 2008 at 9:00 am at Garces Memorial, the first student Mass of the year will be offered by Father Jim LaCasse, Garces Memorial Chaplain, for Robert Garcia. Robert was born and raised in Arvin, CA, and graduated from Arvin High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and Spanish from Gonzaga University and a Masters Degree in International Relations from Golden Gate University. Robert began his teaching career over 30 years ago at Garces Memorial High School. He went on to teach at St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School in San Francisco, Bellarmine College Preparatory High School in San Jose, and St. Francis High School in Mountain View. Robert returned to Bakersfield in 2005 to become the Principal of Garces Memorial. While living in the Bay Area, Robert was one of the founding and active members of Arte Flamenco. Robert also enjoyed traveling through Europe and Latin America and experiencing different cultures. Robert's true passion was his students. He loved the interaction, helping them to grow, and always applauded their successes. When Robert returned to Garces as principal, he did not want to lose his student connection so he taught a Rhetoric class and was a moderator for one of the Christian Life Community student groups. Robert will be greatly missed by the Garces Memorial community. In his few short years as Principal, he had many accomplishments. His vision, passion, and commitment to Garces Memorial and Catholic education were his life. While principal at Garces Memorial, Robert began the student-centered values symposiums, planned and implemented a modified block schedule, and formulated a school motto: "Educate youth to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ by becoming people of respect, integrity, compassion, and courage of faith". Robert also served on the Diocesan Board of Education for 3 years and assisted the Board to develop a diocesan policy defining the motto for all diocesan Catholic schools: "Fulfilling the Mission of Jesus Christ". Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Camerina Garcia and is survived by his brothers Joe, Ray, and Gilbert and wife Maria, and by his sisters Sally Koch and Esther Zante and her husband, John. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ryan Garcia, Anthony Garcia, Amanda Garcia, Andy Garcia, Camerina (Koch) O'Conner and her husband Sean, and Marc Koch and his wife Lindsey, numerous cousins and dear friends, along with his two canine companions, Max and Sammy. The pallbearers are David Alderete, John L. Fanucchi, Tom Muznich, Mike Phillips, Don Richardson, and Vince Sakowski. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Robert's memory to Garces Memorial for the Icardo school chapel stained glass window project. Donations can be sent to: In Memory of Robert Garcia, c/o Garces Memorial High School, 2800 Loma Linda Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93305.