David Alan Kiefer
A Santa Barbara resident for 40 years, David passed away June 21, 2010, he was 61 years old. David was born on October 24, 1948 in Princeton Indiana, moved to Santa Ana when he was seven and resided with family in Orange until college.
He settled in Santa Barbara in the sixties and graduated UCSB in 1970 with a BA in History. David later received his life credentials in Elementary and Learning Handicapped Specialist and a masters in Special Ed. He taught with Goleta Union School District for over 30 years and was extremely dedicated to his students. He not only was an after school sports coach, but established noon leagues, all-star games, sports day and Special Olympics. He served as a past Board member of SB Volleyball club, Youth Sports Association and Girls’ INC.
David led a very physical active life outside of his career. In the mid seventies he won 5 city Basketball Championships with the Goleta AC. He was an avid backpacker and cherished the Sierra’s. A longtime surfer, our “Big Kahuna” loved all the surf spots but was very excited anytime he had a chance to hit “the ranch.” A strong competitor, but a “gentle giant,” he had such a passion for East Beach and the “nooners,” and of course the pleasure of winning those tennis matches.
David was the proud father of two loving and talented children, Kim (32) and Kristin (26). He loved sharing aspects of his own passions with them, coaching soccer, basketball, volleyball, hiking, camping, boogie boarding & Ping-Pong. David shared his jovial spirit with close friends at annual camping trips to El Cap and remembered for his silly violin rendition of twinkle little star at Christmas parties.
David will be missed by many. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 35 years, Kathy Rathbone Kiefer, children Kim Kiefer of Sausalito, Kristin Poe of North Carolina, sister Shelia Kiefer of Yorba Linda, son-in law Mason Poe, granddaughter Addison Marie Poe, niece Kaitlyn Meeks of Seattle and last, but certainly not least his loving parents, Billie and Paul Kiefer of Irvine.
A service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at noon on Butterfly Beach in front of the Biltmore. In lieu of flowers please send donations, reflecting his name, to Cottage Residential Center, care of SB Cottage Hospital Foundations, P.O Box 689, SB, 93102.