Eugene (Gene) Adam Spaulding

Eugene (Gene) Adam Spaulding, 71, passed away peacefully from complications of pancreatic cancer on the morning of May 1, 2017. He was born August 31, 1945 in Latrobe, PA. Gene attended Derry Area High School and joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduating. He met his future wife, Jean Jacobson, while stationed in Hawaii. She was vacationing on Waikiki Beach and the two quickly became inseparable. Gene made Santa Barbara his permanent home after departure from military service, raising his family and working in the title insurance industry for nearly five decades. He held numerous positions at Chicago Title Insurance and First American Title Insurance, where he was an integral part of the team responsible for historical research and ensuring challenging escrows were seen to closure. In more recent years, Gene enjoyed making friends and helping customers via part time positions at La Cumbre Plaza. He also continued his real estate work on contract with First American where he enjoyed working with and mentoring many friends—leveraging years of experience and expertise to solve challenging real estate conundrums. A man of simple pleasures and needs, Gene enjoyed fishing, playing with his grandson, working in the yard of his Hope Ranch residence, and a cold beer on the front porch after a long day. Gene is survived by his wife Jean, sons Charles and Brad, sisters Berni Koutch and Sue Wirdzek, and his four-year-old grandson, Tyler.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ernest Panizzon, his daughter Heidi Earle, Bridget Foss, and Lisa Schilling-Bates for all their love and support. Thank you, also, to the team at Mission Terrace Convalescent Hospital for their extraordinary care. The family plans a private memorial service. A Celebration of Gene’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Harry’s Plaza Cafe. For more information and to confirm attendance, please reach out to Charles Spaulding via email at SpauldingFamilySB@gmail.com.