Leif Konrad Tiahrt

Leif Konrad Tiahrt was a big man-Big of Heart, Spirit, and Body.

He was born on November 28, 1961, in Belleville, Illinois, and died from natural causes much too soon on February 5, 2009. Leif grew up in Germany where he developed a passion for body building. He won many contests, and was even named Herr Sud Deutschland (Mr. South Germany), Mr. Empire State and Mr. Midwest.

He attended college at the University of Maryland/Munich, and graduated from Southern Illinois University, where he met his long-time friend and future business partner, Jeff Harrison. Together they operated the Key 2 Fitness gym in Santa Barbara.

Leif was a very creative person. He always wanted to know how and why things worked. This led to discoveries for which Leif received several US patents.

Leif is survived by his daughter, Lake Olivia Tiahrt, who was the love of his life. He cared very deeply for her. He is also survived by his parents Harold and Patricia Tiahrt as well as his brothers and sisters: Harold (“Tiger”) Tiahrt II, Tanya Donohue, Tamara Vahle, Nikko Tiahrt Conrad, Patrick Tiahrt, Eric Tiahrt, and Natasha Tiahrt Tafuri. He will be sorely missed by his family.

He leaves behind many friends. There are too many to mention them all, but among those special friends are Jeff and Susie Menelli, Ed and Diane Cateriano, and Tim and Melanie Julius.

We will always remember his gentle smile and easy laughter.

There will be a viewing at the Welch Ryce Haider Funeral Home on Friday, February 13, 5:00-8:00pm. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the ballet studio, 322 State Street, Saturday, February 14, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund for Lake Tiahrt has been set up at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.