Former Head Equip. Manager Rudy Garcia Passes Away

GoLobos.com feature on Rudy Garcia from 2008

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico, director of athletics Eddie Nuñez and the entire athletics department is saddened to announce that Rudy Garcia, who retired in 2010 after a 37-year career with UNM athletics, the final 19 as the head equipment manager, has passed away at the age of 67.  One of the most loved individuals to have ever grace UNM’s south campus, Garcia was one of the most dedicated members of the athletics department.
 
At the time of his retirement in the summer of 2010, Garcia was the senior member of the UNM athletics department.  He retired officially on June 30, 2010, wrapping up a 37-year career in the Lobo equipment room, the final 19 as head equipment manager. Fittingly the athletic department gave him a washer and dryer as a retirement gift.
 
“I only had the opportunity to hear about the impact that Rudy had on UNM but one thing is for certain,” said Nuñez.  “He was loved by all and he will certainly be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Garcia family at this time.”
 
A native of Albuquerque, Garcia graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1971. He enlisted in the military out of high school, serving as a supply specialist.  He started with UNM in the equipment room in 1973, and in 1991 he became the head equipment manager.  His love of Lobo Football was unparalleled, as was his commitment to UNM’s student-athletes. 
 
His favorite Lobo was Terence Mathis, of whom he said, “He was such a great player when he first came as a freshman. He started right off the bat. Then he started to slack off in school and we all ended up talking to him to get back into school, including me and everybody around his career. He ended up being an All-American, All-Pro, so when he comes back around and sees me, I know I did a little something to his life.”
 
Garcia was known for his tireless dedication and doing everything possible for the coaches and student-athletes he worked with.  During the season Garcia typically came into the office at 4 a.m. and stayed until everything was done around 10 p.m.  That was his schedule throughout a 14-week football season, not counting preseason camp and postseason bowl games. 
 
Jacque May took over for Garcia as head equipment manager at UNM and worked side-by-side with Garcia for over 10 years.  “Rudy was what it meant to be a Lobo. He never wavered in his dedication to Lobo Athletics or to the thousands of student-athletes who crossed his path over his 37 years of service,” said May.  “He welcomed each one of them into the Lobo Family and took care of them like they were his own. We will never forget all the laughs and stories shared over the years.
 
May added, “Rudy continued to express his love and gratitude for the lifetime of memories that all his former Lobos gave him until the very end. Thank you to his wife Frances and Rudy’s family for letting him dedicate so much of his life to making Lobo Athletics such a special place.”
 
Arrangements have not been announced at this time.  Rudy is survived by his wife, Frances, and two children; a son, Mark and a daughter, Tina. Garcia also leaves behind three grandsons; Christian, Ryan and Mariountae.