Dr. Jay Shuken

Jay Shuken passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 13, 2012, after a long year of (as Jay would say) dodging bullets in his fight against pancreatic cancer.

Jay is survived by his wife Beverly, his five children and seven grandchildren: Jill Gefen and her husband Hagi (sons Noah, Ari, and Elan), Randy Shuken and his wife Monica (their daughter Camille and son Sebastain), Jamie Kidson (daughters Georgia and Clementine), Kristen Shuken, Ryan Shuken, and his beloved dog Oakley.

He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Dr. Robert and Pat Shuken as well as their children Wendy Resin (husband Jonathan), Lee Shuken, and Michael Shuken (wife Stephanie).
We want to express our sincere thanks to Dr. J. David Kunz for his support and care, Dr. Michael Kearney and to the wonderful staff at Serenity House for their compassionate care during Jay’s final days.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held on November 18th at Singleton Pavilion at Elings Park services start at 2:00. In lieu of flowers , please consider making a donation in Jay’s name to the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics (1900 State St. Suite G, Santa Barbara, CA 93101), or the American Indian Health & Services (4141 State Street Ste. B-11, Santa Barbara, CA 93110).

For Jay

We follow,
in footsteps deep and wide, kind and safe.
With laughter to sooth and diffuse and heal.
We follow because you lead with unconditional love, trust, and never-ending optimism.

In your mistakes and failures you showed us how to overcome, and become better.
As if mind over matter was fact, you were its’ glorified proof that Life is sweet and hard, full but short, and found in the hearts of family.

We follow because you were humble, you showed that a smile can turn anything around, and any stranger could be your friend.
Your love, jokes, and friendship bettered more lives than we will ever know.

We follow, with you at our side in love, faith, and memory.
Because the world is better because of you.