Steven Kenneth Friesen

STEVEN KENNETH FRIESEN, 68, of Santa Barbara, CA, died on July 21, 2017 from injuries sustained from an accident at home.

Steve was born December 22, 1948 in Lynwood, California, and lived most of his childhood in Pico Rivera. His father was Donavon Kenneth Friesen and his mother, Nelda Friesen. Steve received a B.A. Degree in U.S. History from Long Beach State University, and subsequently worked as a truck driver alongside his dad, making deliveries in the Los Angeles area. In 1976, Steve and his family moved to Santa Barbara and his dad and he started D & S trucking (“Don & Steve”). In the early 80’s, Steve took a position with Southern California Edison where he worked until he retired in 2006. For the last 11 years, he enjoyed running his own utility consulting company out of his mesa home.

Steve met his wife, Cheryl, playing volleyball at the beach shortly after moving to Santa Barbara. He liked to joke that he robbed the cradle when marrying Cheryl. She was the love of his life, and Steve was the love of her life. They married in 1980 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and lived in the same house on the Mesa for the rest of his life. In 1982, they were blessed with a wonderful son, Brandon Kenneth.

Steve was very involved in sports and helping people throughout his life, including AYSO soccer, first as a coach for his son’s teams, and then as a referee. He went on to excel at high school and tournament officiating as well. Over the past few years, he worked with the Special Olympics where he served many roles in helping the operation of their local sporting events.

You can’t describe Steve without mentioning the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a true blue fan his whole life. His “home office” became more of a sports memorabilia room. His hero was Sandy Koufax. For the past 10 years, he had season tickets and went to as many games as he could. A highlight for Steve was going to the Dodgers Training Camp in Vero Beach, Florida for a week for his 60th birthday.

Steve was known as the official “Mayor of Starbucks” on Cliff Drive. Every morning, like clockwork, he and his beloved dog (and best buddy ever), Homer — the big white golden retriever — would hold court in front of Starbucks, and the entire Mesa area got to know Steve as “Homer’s Dad.”

Steve was very proud of his Christmas light display that he put up every year at his house. He loved that all the children enjoyed it, and when people honked or stopped to take a picture.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Cheryl Lynn; his sister, Nancy Eldridge; his son, Brandon Kenneth, daughter in law, Dori, his 13 month old grandson, Miles Kenneth (who he adored), and Homer The Dog.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in the memory of Steve may be made to the Special Olympics of Santa Barbara.

A memorial will be announced at a later date for everyone to bid farewell to Steve.