Richard “Bebe” Valencia
Richard “Bebe” Valencia passed away on January 27, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on June 9, 1937, Richard was a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara.
Bebe is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Valencia; his children Christine (Joel) Garcia, Richard Valencia, and Philip (Kathy) Valencia; and his brother, David Dominguez. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Joel, Marcos, Celina, and Leanna Garcia, and Cheyenne, Samantha, and Payton Valencia, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Valencia, and his siblings Manuel Dominguez, Robert “Budgie” Dominguez, Barbara Holguin, Edward “Alex” Valencia, and Carmelita Cordero.
Bebe proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1962. There was never a more proud or diehard Marine than our father. Following his military service, he became a retired member of the Construction Laborers Union Local 591.
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Bebe attended Lincoln Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High School, and Santa Barbara High School.
Our dad instilled in us a deep love and passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Deer hunting brought him to Ten Sleep, Wyoming, where he formed many lifelong friendships. For more than 20 years, our family hunted there—not for trophies, but for the memories made around the campfire. Those who hunt understand this; those who don’t, never will.
All he needed was a full tank of gas and he had the itch to travel. You could call him one minute and the next he’d be heading to Wyoming to shoot ground squirrels or off to Laughlin to gamble. He also loved fishing trips to the Sierra Mountains.
Bebe was a very proud member of the Chumash Tribe. He moved onto the reservation in 2001, where he lived until his passing.
Our dad lived by his own rules—you could never tell him what to do. We could tell a hundred stories about him. Two would make you cry, three might make you mad, but ninety-five would make you laugh until your sides hurt.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Lisa, Dawn, and Mark Valencia, and Ruben Regalado for your guidance and support during the Tribal healing. A heartfelt thank you as well to Pamela Linsalato, Brandie Willson, and Jack Sierra. Your love and compassion for our dad meant more than words can express. You were caregivers who became family, and we are forever grateful.
Viewing will be held on February 10, 2026 from 4-7 at Welch Ryce Haider 15 E Sola
Funeral will be February 11, 2026 at 10am at Our Lady of Sorrows 21 E Sola
Burial at Calvery Cemetary 199 N Hope Ave
Reception to follow at Tuckers Grove area 1
