John Minjarez

My husband and life partner, John Minjarez passed quietly away August 6th, 2026, in our home. John had many illnesses but chose to keep them private. Rather, he wanted to enjoy each day as a blessing, sharing a smile and laughter with all he met.

Born in Brawley California, 1946. John had an older brother Pete, now deceased, who came to UCSB for school. When John visited, he felt Santa Barbara was “Paradise,” so he rarely left. He was drafted for Vietnam, then earned a business degree at Santa Cruz City College and probably one of his proudest accomplishments was climbing Mt. Whitney all the way up 14,505 feet! Leaving was not always easy but coming home to Santa Barbara was “Heaven” for John.

Over 50 years he rode bicycles and motorcycles, earning his living as parts manager in several shops around town. Many stories now have been told and retold as John became well known for his exploits. He will be missed but these adventures will keep him in our hearts long after he’s gone.

John loved going fast on a bicycle or motorcycle, lately in his Corvette or Silverado. Over the years alone or with others, he rode miles and miles, in rain or shine, camped under the stars or in mud. They went up old San Marcos Rd, on mountain trails, through neighborhoods, onto campus and to the beach. His gathering of friends and tales of their travels have lasted over 50 years. When he wasn’t moving his legs, the TV became his wheels; Formula 1, NASCAR, Motocross, Tour de France. Pavement or dirt, going fast was John’s “thing”.

Another of John’s passions was Match Box cars I never lost John in a store, he could always be found by the tub of tiny “treasures”. In fact, he bought his last car one week before he passed.

In the last several years evenings became more quiet but John never gave up “wanting to have fun!”. He loved planning our next adventure with a map and calendar sitting at the kitchen table. Our family’s were spoken of often, what was happening and when would we see them again. “Uncle John” was the best at being silly, the most fun and being child like.

Survived by Lydia, “the best wife” according to John, sister in law, Brigitte, nephew Anthony, nieces Stephanie, Melissa, and Sabrina, many cousins and the next generations all ready being added. John received Military Honors at the Veterans’ Wall in Goleta Cemetery on September 4th.

A gathering of family and friends is planned for October 3rd, 1-4 pm at Eling’s Park, Pine Grove 1298 Las Positas, Santa Barbara, CA