Henry Ybarra

Henry left peacefully from his

Santa Barbara home on Nov. 16th.

A native of Santa Barbara

whose family has been here since

the turn of the 20th century.

He grew up in the depression and

at the age of twelve began working

to support his family. This was

a point of pride for Henry.

He valued hard work and

embraced responsibility.

The 1940’s was his favorite decade.

His eyes glowed when he reminisced

about dancing to Glenn Miller

and Tommy Dorsey. A good dancer and

guitarist, he learned the music

of the famous “Trio de Los Ponchos”.

Modest about his talents, he even played

“Boogie Woogie” on the piano.

Henry was a passionate billiard

player and proud member of

the Elks for over 60 years.

His unconventional style earned

him the nickname “The Phantom”.

This referred to how fast he

moved around the table. Many fell

to the Elks’ best player.

His greatest victory came in

Vallejo, CA. This contest featured

two Egyptian champions who were

favored to win. However, as the

Vallejo news reported, each one

fell to the veteran Henry Ybarra.

He played until his last days,

humbly passing on his knowledge

to anyone who asked. He is revered

by the Elks club and a plaque

will be placed on his favorite

table by his colleagues.

Henry loved Santa Barbara

and this city has lost a quiet

pillar in the community. Anyone

who knew him would say

that they were happy to have

known Henry.

“The Leader of the Band is tired

and his eyes are growing old.

But his blood runs through

my instrument and his

song is in my soul”.

Services will be held at
Our Lady of Sorrows on
Sat. Nov 29th. 10am.