Timothy Patrick Reed

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Timothy “Tim” Patrick Reed, on October 9, 2025. Tim passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Tim was born on December 23, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio. At the age of four, his family moved to Santa Barbara, where he spent the rest of his life. While attending Santa Barbara High School in 1968, Tim met the love of his life, Nancy Shepherd. From that day on, the two were inseparable, exploring every corner of Santa Barbara together, from the mountain trails to the beaches, or just cruising down State Street. Tim graduated from SBHS in 1969 and soon enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably as a Specialist 4 and HO6 helicopter mechanic in Vietnam.

When Tim returned home, he and Nancy were married in August 1973. For their honeymoon, they took a road trip up Highway 1 through Big Sur in their VW bus, with their loyal dog Cochise by their side. Shortly after, they bought their home on Santa Barbara’s Eastside, a casa that would become filled with laughter, love, and the joyful chaos of raising three children. Tim and Nancy spent decades turning that house into a home, working side by side, painting, building, remodeling, and gardening together.

Tim’s military training sparked a lifelong passion for mechanics. In 1986, he joined Cottage Hospital, where he built a long and respected career in Facilities Management, ultimately becoming Lead Mechanic. Known for his problem-solving skills, steady demeanor, and encyclopedic knowledge of all things mechanical, Tim was the person everyone turned to when something needed fixing. He retired from Cottage Health in December 2016, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, craftsmanship, and camaraderie.

Above all, Tim was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. His humor, quick wit, and generous heart brought light to every gathering. He was happiest barbecuing in the backyard, tinkering in the garage, or riding local mountain trails with his son Justin. His laughter was contagious, his stories unforgettable, and his presence a source of comfort and strength.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy Reed, his son Justin of North Carolina, his daughters Erin of Orange County and Jaime of Los Angeles, sons-in-law Cliff and Michael, grandchildren Ayla, Julia, Olivia, and Christopher, and his sister Barbara of Santa Barbara. He was preceded in death by his parents, who no doubt welcomed him home with open arms.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at Cottage Hospital, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, and Central Coast Home Health and Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness during Tim’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tim’s memory may be made to the Santa Barbara Humane Society, reflecting his lifelong love for animals. Tim lived a life full of love, laughter, and purpose, a life spent fixing things, building memories, and making the world a little brighter for those lucky enough to know him.

His spirit will live on in every story told, every project completed, and every family gathering where someone inevitably says, “Tim would’ve loved this.”