Fitness buff, FORMER city councilor honored
Friends, city and county officials, and members of the late Cecil Garcia’s family gathered Oct. 14 at the city fitness center at 700 Old Zuni Road — which was renamed the Cecil Garcia Fitness Center last November — to honor the Gallup native and former city councilman with a bronze memorial.
“He was rigorously honest in everything he did,” Joe Milosevich, who, although not in the same class, attended high school with Garcia and was his friend over the years. “If you were ever backed into a corner, he was the best guy to have with you.”
The Gallup City Council approved the renaming of the city fitness center at the request of Milosevich and former Gallup Mayor, City Manager, State Representative, and City Finance Director John Peña.
The bronze plaque bears the Nov. 15, 2015 date — the day council members OK’d the new facility name.
Peña, a close friend of Garcia’s for many years, said he worked out with his friend daily over the past decade or longer.
“He was definitely a workout warrior,” Peña said. “I can’t remember too many times when he wasn’t here working out.”
The Memorial
“For his dedication to health and fitness in Gallup and his timeless efforts to improve this facility for the benefit of the citizens of Gallup,” the 12-by-18-inch plaque reads.
The plaque sits atop a cemented structure to the north of the main entrance of the fitness center.
Everyone in attendance spoke of Garcia’s commitment to fitness and good health. Former Gallup mayor and attorney Bob Rosebrough said he knew Garcia for about 40 years.
“We met, essentially, through sports, through basketball,” Rosebrough said. “We stayed friends for a very long time.”
Garcia died Oct. 15, 2015. He served the city council from 2011 through 2015, and was the grandson of a former Gallup city councilor who served during Gallup’s early years.
Garcia’s widow, Debbie, thanked the city and those in attendance for the dedication.
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
