Gilbert Garcia, 43, of Spokane passed away suddenly Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006.

Gilbert was born March 27, 1962 in Sunnyside, to Aurora and Eloy Garcia. He was baptized and raised as a member of the Catholic Church. Gilbert graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1980. He attended Yakima Valley College and then continued his education at Eastern Washington University, where he earned his degree in personnel management. He was employed by the State of Washington for 18 years. He currently worked in the Office of Special Investigations. In 2003, Gilbert was nominated by fellow employees to receive the “Extra Mile Award” (for going above and beyond).

Gilbert was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing sports, hunting, and fishing. He coached softball and helped with various sports for his beloved daughters. He played poker with his buddies once a month for almost 18 years and participated in fantasy football with the same group for almost 20 years.

He was preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Tiffany Lynn on May 28, 1989, she would have been 17; his paternal grandparent, Celia Olivarez; his maternal grandparents, Manuel S. Martinez and Aurora T. Martinez; and uncles, Refugio Martinez, Regino Martinez and Sam Martinez.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Danette Sue Garcia; their beloved daughters, Tatiana Marie (Corazon), 15, Cailynn Marie (BooBoo Bear), 13, Marissa Danielle (Precious), 9, and Shaunay Monique (Reynita), 7; his parents, Eloy and Aurora; Gilbert will be remembered by his infectious smile, his outgoing nature, gregarious laughter, his lightheartedness, whistling, and his exuberant stand-up yells during TV sporting events. His brothers will never forget his very affectionate bone crushing hugs.

He loved being with family and friends, but most of all he loved his girls. Gilbert will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will miss you our dearly beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend.