Bruce Baird Waugh

On March 21st, 2019 we lost a true legend. Bruce Waugh was a man with a vivacious, colorful spirit. Bruce was a Goleta native, born in Santa Barbara at Cottage Hospital, and grew up on La Goleta Road with his parents Rennie and Evelyn Waugh. Bruce attended Fairview Elementary, Goleta Valley Junior High, and Dos Pueblos High School. He had a wonderful childhood, full of love for his farm animals and pets. He started working with his father in construction at an early age, and after learning the trade quickly, he branched out into masonry. He was a true artist and took pride in his work. He was a fisherman, and enjoyed going on fishing trips starting when he was a teen. An adventurous guy, he even went on a fishing trip to Midway at age 19.

Bruce met the love of his life, his wife Beth, while she was working at the Timber’s restaurant in the mid 80’s. They married on April 7th, 1990 and the reception was held at the same restaurant in which they fell in love. They chose to reside in Goleta, CA, and the love story continued with three beautiful children: Kaitlin, Natalie and Parker Waugh.

Bruce ran many construction and masonry jobs around Santa Barbara County. He loved his career and enjoyed working. He never turned down work, and would often be running multiple projects at once.

Bruce was an avid surfer. He grew up surfing, and continued surfing throughout his life. His children grew up going to the beach with him, specifically Haskells Beach. Bruce passed down his love of the ocean to his children, and his youngest, Parker, has surfed since he was a small child.

Most of all, Bruce loved his family. He had the biggest heart, filled with compassion for others. He was extremely proud of his kids, and would often brag to his friends about their accomplishments. He was a doting father and husband.

To say Bruce will be missed is an understatement, because he meant so much to so many. He was often the loudest and funniest person in the room; the life of the party. His energy was contagious. His lust for life will be carried on forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at Stow Park, Area 1, in Goleta, on April 6th at 1 pm. Please bring your best stories and memories of Bruce. Colorful attire is encouraged (red was Bruce’s favorite color).