Geoffrey (Hunter) Cantelo

October 15th, 1943 – March 19th, 2013

A letter to a father from his daughter:

There are the things you did in life: you were born in Los Angeles in 1943; you moved to Santa Barbara with your sister Christine (Tidd) and mother June (Chovan) when you were 8; you graduated from SBHS in 1961; UCSB in 1965; attended UC Berkley graduate school; married Beverly Taylor in 1982; had me, Erin Cantelo, your only child shortly after; you spent your entire career self-employed in commercial real estate; and you loved playing golf.

And yet, what truly matters is the person you were and the impact you made on your friends, family, and those around you in life. You were kind-hearted, always eager to help, and truly cared for those around you. You were intelligent and thoughtful. You were always cheerful and always honest. You also lived life by your rules and no one else’s, which was something I have always admired.

To me, you were not only the best father I could have ever asked for but a truly incredible human being and I am grateful for every moment you were in my life and for every moment that I will carry you with me for the rest of mine.

In the truly apt words of your best friend, Neal Hooker, the world is a better place for you having been here.

I love you. I miss you. I will carry you in my heart always and forever.

With love, your kiddo, your space-cadet.

-Erin

An informal gathering of friends to celebrate Geoff’s life will be held at one of his favorite places, Butterfly Beach on Saturday April 27th starting around 6pm with a sunset toast at 7:30pm. Gathering will be on the beach near the steps at Butterfly Ln and Channel Dr. Please wear bright, cheerful colors, NO black. And if you knew my father, please find me, it’s been very meaningful to hear stories about him.