Edward “Eddie” Beltran
Edward “Eddie” Beltran died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of February 10, 2018. Eddie was born in “beautiful downtown Burbank,” California on August 15, 1955. The family lived in Riverside and Ventura Counties before he ran away to be with his father in Santa Barbara in 1968. He graduated from San Marcos High School, class of 1974. During his high school years he played tennis for the Santa Barbara City League, where he was two-time boys’ tennis champion.
Immediately following graduation Eddie joined the United States Marine Corps with his best friend, Danny Shirley. The following year he was chosen for the highly selective position of Embassy Guard, and he proudly fulfilled that role in Romania, Kenya and Ethiopia. He had the opportunity to guard Air Force One during the presidency of Gerald R. Ford and also chauffeured a number of important dignitaries from both the United States and abroad. Upon completion of active duty Eddie signed on for an additional two years in the Marine Corps Reserve. Anyone who knew him understood that for Eddie, serving his country was an honor and a privilege. This was a defining period in his life and he eagerly shared stories of his military career throughout the years.
Upon his return to civilian life Eddie attended the Santa Barbara City College Hotel & Restaurant Management Program. He began to hone his culinary skills at his father’s side, working in his restaurants and catering for political and other events. Perhaps most memorable were the many times that they shared a booth at De La Guerra Plaza during Fiesta. His father had prepared him well and his classmates soon learned that nobody knew their way around the kitchen better than Eddie did. He quickly gained a reputation for excellence in a career for which he seemed destined. He worked in some of the city’s finest restaurants and had especially fond memories of the years he spent at The Palace and Chad’s.
In 2004 Eddie realized a longtime dream of owning a neighborhood tavern when he purchased The Tiburon Tavern with his close friends Mike and Chris. The continued popularity of “The Tib” reveals not only his success in building a business, but also his talent for creating a space that reflected his personality: a warm and friendly environment, a place that welcomes young and old, newcomers and regulars alike. Those fortunate enough to have met Eddie there quickly realized what so many others already knew, that it was his easy-going nature and ability to touch people that gained him countless friends from all walks of life. He will be missed dearly.
Eddie leaves behind his devoted and loving partner of twenty-five years, Suellen Clark. Suellen and the family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Cottage Hospital MICU staff for the wonderful care that they provided. He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Luisa Vazquez Bevers, his father Edward R. Beltran and niece Chantelle Davis. He is survived by his “Irish twin” sister and best friend Desire’ Beltran-Ventura (Port Hueneme), baby sister Gabrielle Griffin (Orlando, FL), brother James Beltran (Goleta) and stepmother Livanna Beltran (Goleta). He is also survived by his godson, nephew and fellow Marine Robert Edward Ventura (Ventura), nephews Timothy Ventura (Port Hueneme), Daniel (Blanca) Ventura (Port Hueneme) and nieces Brande’ Ventura (Salem, MA), Danielle Davis (San Fernando Valley), Jazzmine Griffin (FL), and great-niece Madeline Ventura (Port Hueneme), all of whom adored their favorite Uncle Eddie! Having spent considerable time visiting NJ in recent years, Eddie was loved and will be sorely missed by his east coast family as well.
To honor Eddie there will be a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday, May 3 from 11am-2pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 112 West Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara. Those who wish to continue celebrating are invited to The Tiburon Tavern, 3116 State Street, immediately following. All who knew and loved Eddie are welcome.