Caleb Wheeler Ibsen
Our Caleb passed away at home on the fifth of December, 2014 due to complications from a Glioblastoma brain tumor. Caleb had been fighting this tumor with amazing bravery and positivity while at the same time continuing to fully live his life surrounded by and exuding love and gratitude. Caleb’s attitude and approach to life continues to uplift and serve as an inspiration to his family and all who knew him.
Caleb was born April 5, 1992 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. Caleb attended Monte Vista Elementary school where he formed some of his first life-long friendships. After Monte Vista Caleb attended Santa Barbara Middle School where he further extended his network of close friends. Later Caleb attended San Marcos High School, Middle College, and City College. Since Caleb was a child he loved the process of cooking, and eating. Caleb wound up taking this further and worked as a cook in some of Santa Barbara’s finest restaurants, including Bouchon, Hungry Cat, Cadiz, and Renauds. Caleb’s first introduction to the rigors of the kitchen was at the Jalama Beach Grill.
Caleb had a deep love and respect for the natural world. Since Caleb was very young his family had taken him to experience the outdoors in a variety of ways. Skateboarding, surfing, volleyball, biking, backpacking, and trail running were all activities that Caleb enjoyed doing. Caleb was a naturally gifted athlete and physical activity was part of his being.
Caleb loved and was loved by his great many friends as he was genuine and always ready to initiate good times. As any of Caleb’s friends will attest to, being in Caleb’s sphere meant that you would be uplifted and that the potential for a party was at hand.
Caleb will be greatly missed by his father Simon, mother Valerie, step-mother Wendy, step-father Mike, little brother Soren, little sister Tove, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Caleb will continue to be with us in our memories and in our hearts. We will be guided by his positive example of how to live an engaged life full of love.
There will be a Celebration to honor Caleb on New Years day.
In lieu of flowers, please donate generously to the National Brain Tumor Society (http://defeatgbm.org/).