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Ernie Garcia, 56, of Grand Coulee, Washington, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013, after a series of surgeries at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

He was born to Al and Ruby Cantu in Rupert, Idaho,on March 27, 1957.

He is preceded in death by his biological father Al, mother Ruby and sister Debbie Martinez.

He was one of 15 children: Jerry Cantu of Rupert, Idaho; Lucille (Vincent) Sanchez of Ogden, Utah; David (Elaine) Cantu of Prescott, Ariz.; Fred (Sandra) Cantu of Rupert; Archie (Liz) Cantu of Heyburn, Idaho; Irene Cantu and John ( Gloria) Cantu all of Twin Falls, Idaho; Andy (Corrine) Cantu of Texas; Betty Martinez of Phoenix, Ariz.; Richard (Sandra ) Cantu of Wyoming; Phil Cantu of Phoenix, Ariz.; Judy Cantu of Meridan, Idaho and Marie (Brian) Bollard of Twin Falls.

Ernie was adopted by his Uncle Horace Garcia and Aunt Patricia. He came to live with them and their children Laura (Ron) Evans, Michael (Bobbie) Garcia at the age of 13 in Loveland, Colo. They then moved to Bethell, Alaska,with the family. Ernie graduated from Bethell High school in 1974. The family moved to Grand Coulee in 1975.

Ernie married his life-long loving and devote4d wife Lori (Williams) on August 22, 1981, at Douglas Park in Coulee Dam, Wash.

Ernie raced stock cars, built trains, race car tracks and liked to fish. He also loved to watch NASCAR with his favorite driver being Jeff Gordon. He also liked to watch Seahawks and the Mariners.

He was a volunteer firefighter for many years. And he was loved by all who knew him and he loved everyone! His favorite saying was Ching a Lay!

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at 2 p.m., at the Eagles Lodge in Grand Coulee.