Ed Laing : 1933–2016
Democratic Socialist and Secular Humanist
An attorney and philosopher, Ed Laing worked for social justice during the dark days of the McCarthy era and up until he died. Read story.
Andrew David Darke: 1965-2016
Little League Baseball Coach
Andrew Darke's coaching for Little League teams was only a part of his life, but his friendship and demeanor on the field profoundly affected the players and the parents. Read story.
Joan Magruder (1939-2016)
Santa Barbara's Fairy Godmother
Joan Magruder died reluctantly after a lifetime as a blonde hurricane, championing others while overcoming personal fears, and lovingly spoiling her grandchildren. Read story.
Ripkyn Strader-Murphy: 1996 – 2016
In the end, it was Ripkyn's goodness that made you swoon. Read story.
Thomas Myles Steinbeck: 1944-2016
Writer and Raconteur
The writer of several novels and a fierce defender of the works of his father, John, Thomas Steinbeck left with the Perseid meteor shower this year. Read story.
Sue Higman: 1919-2016
A True Pearl's Girl
Feisty and dogged, Sue Higman had learned at Pearl Chase's knee that the good fight was a tireless one, skills she used to save the Wilcox property. Read story.
Manuel Mata Barajas: 1937-2016
Patriarch of the Rose Café #2
After working with his mother at her Haley Street restaurant, Manuel Barajas opened his own Rose Café on the Mesa in 1980. Read story.
Elie Wiesel: 1928-2016
A Remembrance
“When a Jew cries, 20 centuries cry with him or her," he told the author. Read story.
Dennis Spangler: 1953-2016
Fabric Designer, Jewelry Maker
Dennis Spangler made hand-colored fabrics for an exclusive clientele, designed jewelry, and converted found objects into marvelous art pieces. Read story.
Cedric James Robinson: 1940-2016
Uncowed and Unbowed
Cedric James Robinson was born in Oakland, California, on November 11, 1940. Read story.
Robert Klausner: 1926-2016
Power Broker in Santa Barbara for Two Decades
On the frontlines of Santa Barbara environmentalism and politics for two decades, Bob Klausner lent his intellect and intensity to progressive goals. Read story.
Muhammad Ali: 1942-2016
The Conscience of a Generation
Muhammad Ali, an ever greater showman, put it all on the line time after time in the ring, in his refusal to fight in Vietnam, and in his embrace of Islam. Read story.
Margaret "Peggy" Louise Hurst: 1930-2016
A Passion for the Road
Peggy Hurst is remembered as a "home economist" extraordinaire with a passion for hitting the road. Read story.
Jonathan Edward Bailey: 1952-2016
A Good Cop
Jon Bailey enjoyed being a guardian. He was good at it, because he loved what he did. Read story.
Walter Kohn: 1923-2016
Nobel Laureate, Physicist, Peace Advocate
Though science and physics were his life, Walter Kohn was a humanist, artist, and philosopher who mentored and inspired students and colleagues alike. Read story.
