Jesus Arturo Garcia-Peña

Jesus Arturo Garcia Peña, September 25, 1932 - August 25, 2021 Our beloved husband, father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend Jesus Arturo Garcia-Peña, known in the artistic world as Mario Gareña, returned home to his Heavenly Father on August 25, 2021. He was born to Arturo Garcia Lujan and Ines Peña, in Barranquilla, Colombia on September 25,1932. He started a successful musical career at the age of 19. He was born to be on the stage where he loved to captivate audiences with his charisma. He was enamored of Colombia and never forgot his beloved Colombia. He was a poet, a singer, a composer and an extraordinary performer. He was an ambassador of Colombian music and culture to many nations in three continents. He composed and recorded “Yo me llamo Cumbia” in 1969, a song that has earned the title of a national anthem of Colombia. In 1970 he represented his country in a Festival of Latin American Music in New York, with “Te dejo la ciudad sin mi” winning first place as best lyrics, best music score and best performer. He composed hits such as “Mi Raza”, “Que Linda”, “Mi novia es Barranquilla” and hundreds of songs, many of which were recorded by the best bands and groups in Latin America during the 70’s and 80’s. He moved to the US during the 90’s to be close to family. He loved this blessed land. He met the love of his life, Damaris in Cali, Colombia in 1956 and together had eight boys. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1980, in Bogota, Colombia. Dad loved family and always looked forward to family gatherings to enjoy spending time together. He had a very generous heart and was always the first to show up when someone was in need. Dad lived life to the fullest and brought a fresh perspective to life’s predicaments. He leaves an immortal legacy of music and love. Survived by Damaris (Ex, but best friend to the end), sons; Chepe (Nilza), Edgardo (Lisa), Igor (Ceridwen), Mario, Mauricio (Maryin), Leopoldo, and daughter in law Mavi Anaya. He is also survived by his sister Marina Garcia Arteta, 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by sons Ricardo and Sergio, siblings Mercedes and Edgardo, A viewing will be held Thursday September 2, 2021 from 10:30 am -11:45 am. Funeral to follow from 12:00 pm -1:00 pm at the Welby LDS Stake Center, 8841 South 4800 West, West Jordan, UT, 84088.