Paul Hunter Turpin

We are saddened that our dear Paul Hunter Turpin lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on August 18, 2012, at his home in the foothills of Carpinteria. He passed away peacefully, in the beautiful home that he built, surrounded by his wife, Evan, and two sons, Hunter and Travis. For nearly two years he was faced with enormous challenges, yet he tackled them all, with courage and generosity, and good spirits.

Paul was born on January 17th, 1953 in Pasadena, California, to Polly and George Turpin. He soon found his true calling in the creative arts. Encouraged by his family from an early age, Paul grew to be a talented watercolor painter, filling his work with idyllic tropical landscapes, perfect waves and beautiful women. His paintings are truly amazing and remain treasured items by those lucky enough to own one.

It was also during those early years in San Marino that Paul’s lifelong love affair with baseball and the Dodgers would start. A star shortstop and pitcher, Paul even made the newspapers for his accomplishments on the field. His passion for baseball would later continue in Santa Barbara, where he and friends started a softball team, the Range Animals, on which he played for many years. Paul loved all sports, and was an excellent surfer, skier, fisherman, golfer and tennis player. He was a voracious reader of every kind of book. Music was another vital part of Paul’s life; he was a true musicologist. He played several instruments, and amassed a remarkable collection of guitars and ukuleles.

Born into a family that loved travel and adventure, Paul carried this love with him for his whole life. The islands of Hawai’i and Jamaica, as well as a family home at Plum Lake, Wisconsin were among his favorite destinations and became the inspiration for his art.

The ocean was where Paul found joy and solace. From his beloved Padaro to the Hollister Ranch, he was never far from the sea.

Paul was one of the most creative individuals ever to grace this earth, and one of the kindest and gentlest. Paul was cool. He had a keen sense of style, always in the running for best dressed wherever he showed up (usually late), and a sense of humor that endeared him to others the world ‘round. Paul loved his family and friends to his core, and we will all miss dearly his smile and his radiance that brightened any room he stepped into.

Besides his wife, sons and parents, he is survived by his beloved brother and sister, Gebb and Brier, brother-in-law Kent, niece and nephew, Ellery and Cooper, his in-laws, Peggy and Bill Still, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Direct Relief International, where Paul served on the Board, the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and Heal The Ocean.