In Memoriam
Mike deGruy: 1951-2012
Underwater Cinematographer
Mike was director of photography for a gazillion films and series about ocean animals. He worked for National Geographic and PBS, for BBC and David Attenborough and James Cameron and Turner Broadcasting. His contagious enthusiasm was once graphically captured in his jumping and gesturing during a one-hour film called The Octopus Show, which led to Mike's celebrated TED talk on the creature. Read story.
Jim Cook: 1946-2011
Typesetter, Graphic Designer, Theater Director
He brought an elevated and artistic sensibility to every publication he worked on, from fine cookbooks to student newspapers, literary works to catalogs. Read story.
Berka Smock: 1926-2011
Feline Philanthropist
Berka and her late husband began the Tenth Life Foundation, caring for old and disabled cats. Read story.
Chet Gala: 1933-2011
Balboa Building Superintendent
It was my good fortune to meet Chet Gala almost immediately upon moving to Santa Barbara in 1983 to take a job as reporter with the Santa Barbara News & Review. Read story.
Rachel Oatman Johansen: 1931-2011
Teacher at Starr King Parent-Child Workshop
Rachel Johansen — for 31 years one of the pillars of the Starr King Parent-Child Workshop — was all about giving young minds and souls the freedom to wander, choose, and experiment. Read story.
Richard Rollin Rintoul: 1955-2011
Symphony Conductor, Violinist, Music Professor
Richard’s relationship to rhythms and rests always extended beyond the batons, bows, and body he has now left behind. Read story.
Bess Christensen: 1916-2011
Lompoc Community Activist
Bess was a woman of great strength and integrity who made a positive difference in our community. She was not afraid to get up and tell elected officials they were wrong, but she did it with such civility that often they thanked her and sometimes they changed their former position. Read story.
Michael Henry Shobe: 1954-2011
Acoustic Music Promoter, Botanist
Although Mike Shobe did pass on to some very pearly gates on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we have not completely lost him. He was a legendary figure in our community, and legends never die. Just ask Johnny Appleseed. Read story.
Annette Goodheart: 1935-2011
Laughter Therapist
Annette Goodheart earned an international reputation as author of the book Laughter Therapy: How to Laugh About Everything in Your Life That Isn’t Really Funny. Read story.
Remembering Jovani Tovar
Fundraiser This Weekend to Honor Life of Man Killed in State Street Shooting 10 Years Ago
With 10-year anniversary memorial this weekend, friends of man shot dead on State Street discuss his life. Read story.
David Myrick: 1918-2011
Santa Barbara Historian, Author
David F. Myrick is gone now, but his two monumental books about the transition of sleepy Santa Barbara and Montecito into regions of great estates are lasting legacies. Read story.
Jan Tyler: 1935-2011
Escrow Specialist, Traveler
A single mother who built a great life for herself and her children, Jan called many people in Santa Barbara, from the world of real estate to the docks of the harbor, her dear friends. Fair winds and following seas! Read story.
Len Black 1931 – 2011
Actor, Musician, Humorist
It was my good fortune to meet Len in London in 1975. Read story.
Ronald Stetter: 1947-1968
Brother, Soldier
Ronald Thomas Stetter died during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. Read story.
Nina Borie, 1925-2011
Mother, Volunteer, Dancer
She will be missed on the streets of Santa Barbara, where she was often seen walking on State Street, Cabrillo Boulevard, the Harbor, and Stearn’s Wharf. Read story.
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