Robin Selby Gauss

Robin was born in Moscow, Idaho.

When Robin was 4-years-old his father was killed in a logging accident. His mother, Leah, packed the family up and drove west.

After driving up and down the entire coast of California, she chose Santa Barbara as their home. She knew a few ladies here from her professional dancing days and they helped the young family get settled.

Robin attended Hope Elementary, La Colina Junior High and San Marcos High School – graduating in the class of 1964.

He attended Cal Poly for a short time but the surf beckoned.

He was then drafted into the US Army and proudly served his country in Korea.

When he returned he was admitted to the first class of the Marine Technology Program at Santa Barbara City College, graduating in 1970.

He completed his education at Florida Atlantic University and received his degree in Ocean Engineering. In 1995 he earned his PE in Mechanical Engineering.

He spent his entire career in the dive and maritime industry as a diver and ocean engineer, a submariner – operating small research subs, and doing whatever was needed of him on underwater projects around the world. (Polar Artic Research, MARTEC, Underwater Technology Services, Oceaneering, Western Space and Marine, Maripro, L-3 Communications, Sound and Sea Technologies)

In 1975 Robin bought a piece of property one mile up a dirt road in the foothills of Santa Barbara. He called it La Cumbre Canyon Ranch. He made it his home and a place where everyone was welcome!

Robin has two incredible sons, Aaron Valdis Gauss and Skylar Luke Gauss. Robin was very proud of his boys as they went to college and each embarked on their life journeys. Aaron Valdis made his home in Taiwan and Skylar Luke in Pasadena. He loved their wives, Na and Megan, and was very proud to be a “Grandpa Lobo” to Arron’s children, Polaris and Aurora, and “Grandpa Robin” to Skylar’s children, Amelia Rose and Luke Manning.

Robin loved diving, flying airplanes, surfing, target shooting, and after a hard day’s work- a nice cold Budweiser! He volunteered for a number of local organizations, including SBCC Marine Technology Advisory Council, Aeromedicos, Terra Marine, Santa Cruz Island Foundation, Old Spanish Days, Santa Barbara Hangliding and Paragliding Association, and was honored to be elected Captain of the Santa Barbara Sherriff Aerosquadron in January, 2017.

Robin leaves behind his sons and their families, the love of his life, Nancy Callahan, and his dog, Bandit.

He was a talented, honorable, and humble man that loved the Lord. He impacted the lives of many at home and abroad.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m., Saturday, March 4th at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara. There will be a celebration of his life following.

A group Facebook Page has been created for Robin S. Gauss. Please post photos, stories and share his “Robinisms”!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Terra Marine or Wilde Education Service.