Bernardo Garcia-Pandavenes' Obituary
Bernardo Agustine Elias Garcia-Pandavenes was born on July 20, 1933 in Havana Cuba. He came to the United States in 1956. He met, and married Elsa Garcia-Pandavenes while attending U.C. Berkeley on September 9, 1962. They adopted two children, Maya and Pablo in 1970 & 1973. After he and Elsa split in 1978, they remained close friends until his passing.
In his youth he was a riveting handsome and charismatic man. He could discuss a myriad of subjects. He was an excellent speaker. He was a voracious bi-liberate reader of the classics and read the latest authors as well. He sang in community opera productions and choruses in the Bay Area. He had a wicked sense of humor.
He was a professor at Laney College and taught Chicano Studies, and English as a Second Language for 40 years. He taught his students about the customs and culture in the USA. He helped so many people. He loved teaching all the time. He connected countless English-As-A-Second Language students to job and community connections.
Bernardo never betrayed his ideals. He was a political and community activist for over 50 years. Even during the numerous hospital stays he kept aware of world affairs and discussed them with great understanding and passion.
He was an SGI-Buddhist member who practiced in Oakland and later in San Leandro CA. He chanted with great passion and conviction.
He loved his children and grandchildren so much, and was very proud of all of them. He is pre deceased by his Father Bernardo Garcia, and Mother Estela Garcia. He is survived by his younger Brother Leonardo Garcia, and Sister Elizabeth Garcia, Daughter Maya Garcia-Pandavenes, Son Pablo Garcia-Pandavenes, Granddaughter Sasha Gut, Grandson Raiden Garcia, along with 12 nieces and nephews he loved so dearly. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
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