Daniel A. Garcia

passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14 at Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island, where he had been a resident for the past two years.Dan was born in Sacramento, California in 1929, the fourth and last child of Cornelio and Consuelo (Melendez) Garcia. Dan and his siblings Manny, Jess and Mary grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where Dan attended St. Ignatius High School, and received a rigorous education that included Greek and Latin. Dan adored his older brothers, who both saw action during World War II, Manny as an Air Force pilot and instructor, and Jess as an Army paratrooper.Dan attended college and then Loyola University Dental School, where he met and fell in love with Judith Mejias of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the only female student in the class of 400 students. Judith and Dan married in Chicago, and after his Army service during the Korean War, they settled in San Juan, where they opened a dental practice. Dan called his time in Puerto Rico "an eternal vacation" and in 1956 and 1957, welcomed daughters Marla and Denise.In 1964, the family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, so that Dan and Judith could attend Tufts University Dental School for post-graduate degrees. Dan also attended the Harvard School of Public Health, where he earned an additional degree. He became part of the faculty of Harvard Dental School and a research scientist, focusing on the development of permanent, artificial tooth material. In 1975, Dan and Judith divorced. Judith preceeded Dan in death in 1999.Upon retirement, Dan moved to Spain, where he spent 14 of the happiest years of his life. In Sitges, he met Isabel Erni, of St. Gallen Switzerland. Fluent in 6 languages, Isabel shared a love of classical music and Spanish culture with Dan. They moved to Sant Cugat, near Barcelona and spent many years enjoying trips to all parts of Spain, as well as Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Italy and England. Dan was able to realize a lifelong dream, when he and Isabel attended a concert at the Berlin Philharmonic hall, "an ultra modern architectural gem, with perfect acoustics" in Dan's words.In 2007, Isabel passed away, and Dan returned to the United States, eventually settling on Bainbridge Island, with daughter Denise, son-in-law Eric Schmidt and granddaughter Lina Schmidt.Dan loved his years on Bainbridge Island. An avid reader and student of history- particularly WWII and the Vietnam War- Dan spent many hours at the library. He enjoyed numerous concerts at Benaroya Hall and loved to poke around the shops of Winslow. In 2009, Dan, along with family and friends, took a last trip to Barcelona, revisiting his favorite tapas bars, shops, museums and archeological sites. Throughout the two weeks, he regaled us with stories, with his inimitable dry wit. It was a whirlwind trip and one that we who were fortunate to accompany him, will never forget.Dan leaves behind his daughters, Marla and Denise, son-in-laws Steve Ehler and Eric Schmidt, and beloved granddaughters, Emily Ehler and Lina Schmidt. Dan was very proud of his extended family, including numerous nieces and nephews.Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the staff at Wyatt House for their tender and compassionate care over the past two years.Family and friends are invited to attend a reception on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 12:30 PM at The Wyatt House.In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Dan's name to the Bainbridge Island branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. Sign the online Guest Book for the family.