God saw you were getting tired
and a cure was not to be,
so He put His arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Albert Garnica, 57 years young passed away at his home in Yuma, AZ with his wife and loving family by his side on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 after a tough and courageous battle with cancer.  He is survived by his wife Cecilia L. Garnica, daughter Betty Lopez and her spouse Luis Molinares, son Albert Garnica Jr. and his spouse Gina Garnica, son Steven Garnica and his spouse Amber Garnica, grandchildren Jovian Molinares, Roxanne Molinares, Zack Molinares, Ayden Garnica, Nevaeh Garnica, Evan Garnica, and baby boy Garnica (arriving Dec. 2020); brothers Arturo Garnica, Raul Garnica, Ruben Garnica, Anthony Garnica; sisters Deborah Ramirez, Gracie Esparza, Norma Rivera, Nancy Garnica; and countless nieces and nephews.

Albert was born March 11, 1963 in Phoenix, AZ to father Salvador Garnica and mother Dolores Garnica, who predeceased him and are resting in eternal glory.  He grew up in a large loving family with both his parents, his four brothers and four sisters in a very small town in El Mirage, AZ.  In 1973 the family migrated to Salinas, CA where they all lived for several years before some brothers and sisters started their own families and moved to Yuma, AZ.  Learning the trade from his father at a very young age, Albert started working as a lettuce cutter.  Little did he know at the time, he would become legendary in the agriculture industry.

In 1982, Albert met his wife, Cecilia Lopez.  Without hesitation, he also accepted her daughter, which he cared for, loved, and proudly called his own.  They lived in Salinas, CA for a few years where they began growing their family and had their first son.  During this time, Albert and his wife both worked in the fields and followed the ag season between Salinas, CA and Yuma, AZ.  In 1986 they moved to Santa Maria, CA and had their second son.  Albert stayed year-round in Santa Maria, CA for just one year before following the ag season again. In 1995, Albert and his family made their final move to Yuma, AZ where their permanent residence was established and they finished raising their children.

For over 40 years, Albert followed the ag season where he traveled between Salinas, CA and Yuma, AZ.  He worked for Church Bros., Fresh Co., Fresh Express, and Taylor Farms.  He remained at Taylor Farms where he worked for nearly 20 years and would ultimately become the Vice President of Ag Operations.  A true testament to his hard work, loyalty, and passion for the industry.  From the words of Taylor Farms, "At Taylor Farms we believe growing and processing fresh produce should be in your heart.  For our VP of Ag Operations Albert Garnica, it's in his blood.  Albert helped define the reliability and quality that launched the value-added salad category throughout his 40-year career.  His tireless commitment to continuous improvement helped drive Taylor Farms and the industry to a new level.  More important than any of his professional accomplishments, Albert has mentored countless members of our team as well as the industry.  Always generous with his time and encouragement, he has helped make us better people.  Taylor Farms, and the entire produce industry, will not be the same without him.  The enthusiasm and passion he brought to work daily will never be forgotten and we thank him for his years of ensuring consumers had access to healthy, fresh foods."  Albert is remembered as a "Pioneer", "Influencer", "Legend", and "Innovator" in the agriculture industry.

Albert was devoted to his family, he loved each one purely and immensely.  He was a provider, motivator, supporter, and a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews.  "Family First" was his moto and, without a doubt, he lived up to it daily.  Albert was kind, gentle, fun, loving and caring.  He lived each day to the fullest.  He enjoyed riding his horses.  He loved his Tex-Mex and Oldies music.  He was the best dancer with rhythm and style like no other.  He appreciated a ice cold Coors Light, a nice glass of wine with his meal, and on special occasions his Patron tequila.  He leaves behind so many broken hearts and he will be missed more than can be imagined.  However, we'll find comfort in the countless memories of him and that we made with him.

"Don't think of him as gone away

his journey's just begun,

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched…

for nothing loved is ever lost

and he was loved so much."

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, comfort, and support during this difficult time.  Thank you to his colleagues who became life-long friends.  Thank you for thinking and caring for his family just like Albert always did.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Garnica Ranch.  All are welcome, please wear a face mask.  For more details contact the family.