Ricardo “Ricco” Garcia, 82

Ricardo “Ricco” Garcia, 82

January 30, 1943 – March 17, 2025

Ricardo passed away after suffering a stroke, March 17, 2025. Ricardo was born January 30, 1943 in Torrance California. He was born into a large family, eight sisters and four brothers.

Ricardo grew up on the family farm growing flowers and other crops with his parents and brothers and sisters. He attended local schools and graduated from a local high school in 1961. After graduation, Ricardo joined the Army, where he was second armor division, Fort Hood, Texas, where he was honorably discharged with the rank of E4. He was a huge fan of General George Patton. In 1970 he married Ruth Brasher, they were married almost 45 years when she passed away in 2014. 

Ricardo was a jack of many trades. In his younger years, he drove semi and managed a large nursery in Santa Barbara. Ricardo and Ruth moved to opportunity in 1977, to help care for his mother-in-law. After moving to Montana, he worked for Safeway, was the caretaker at sunset Memorial, Gardens, and retired from Walmart after 18 years. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Opportunity volunteer fire department, in which he retired after 20 years. Ricco loved talking to people. He talked to people wherever he went. He was a master at the art of BS.

Ricco had many hobbies over the years. He loved hunting and fishing, camping and enjoying friends and family in the outdoors of Montana. He tied his own flies and reloaded and repaired firearms for many, many years. Ricco had lots of collections too. From stamps to coins to hot wheels sport cards, and even baseball caps. In his later years, he like to hit the highway on his

Harley. He travel to Sturgis for the annual bike rally. He also participated in many local poker and fun runs. Always willing to leans lend a hand to friends, neighbors and family. He liked to tinker and it was once said if “Grandpa“ can’t fix it then it’s broke. Ricco truly lived a full life right up till the end. He and his son Russell worked around the house and cut firewood and many other chores. He also like spending time with his kind and lovely girlfriend Carolyn. 

Ricco, our Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, friend brother and boyfriend will truly be missed. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ysabel and Julia. Sisters, Joe, Hermenia, Rose and Angelina. Brothers Ysabel Jr, Pete and Raymond. He'sww survived by sisters, Ernestine, Lupe, Rachel and Margaret. Brothers Junior and Jesse. Also survived by son Russell Brasher. Grandchildren Robert, Russell and Billy Joel Brasher, Paula Morrison and Lonnie Strong. And nephew David Stropes. Numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held this Friday, July 25 at 1 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Crackerville. Memorials can be made to the Opportunity-volunteer fire department or donors choice. Friends and family may gather after the services at the Hofbrau in Anaconda.