Bernard Garcia Soria

May 20, 1922 - May 27, 2013

Was born in a small Santa Barbara Eastside home at 715 East Mason Street in the spring of 1922 to Luz Garcia Soria and Miguel Garcia Soria. He had four sisters and one brother. His father was a Brick maker and worked at the brick-yard most of his life while Bernard was attending elementary school. He was raised by his sisters Felicia, Ines, Vivian and Lucy. After attending high school in Santa Barbara he left with his brother Fred Soria to look for work in the East Bay area working as a crane rigger. He was soon drafter into World War II. He was inducted into the Army Infantry where he served with the 84th Infantry RailSplitters Division. In 1942 he raised to the ranks of Staff Sergeant during his tour through Europe. He returned to Santa Barbara after getting injured by tank shrapnel, somewhere in Western Germany. He was sent home to Fort Collins, Colorado for rehabilitation where he met Mary Lujan, a young nurse working full time in a veteran's hospital. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He returned to Santa Barbara and raised two sons, John Bernard Soria and Steven Timothy Soria. Bernard was a huge advocate of education, working hard and keeping his family together. He was an amazing provider and made sure that his family had the comforts they needed. He was a really amazing grandpa and was said by great grand-kids to "always be very happy". On Monday, May 27th, 2013, "Memorial Day" at the age of 91, Bernard passed away at home with his family by his side. He will be remembered for his legacy and missed dearly by his family and friends. (Best Grandpa Ever) Services will be held Friday, May 31st @ 11AM at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel 15 E. Sola St., Santa Barbara, Ca. 93101 Graveside services to follow at Calvary Cemetery off Hope Ave.