George Labotts-Misbeek

George Labotts-Misbeek, a true Santa Barbara native who was born at his Chino Street home on the 21st day of January 1929, died peacefully at his home on the 19th day of November 2019.

George is probably best remembered for the Varsity Bike shop in Isla Vista, the business he faithfully owned and operated from 1954 (initially with two buddies) to 2012, earning him the distinction of being the longest original owner of a bike shop in Santa Barbara. Oh, the stories George could tell of Isla Vista! George continued to work at the bike shop after he sold it, working nearly up to the day he died. George had a stalwart dedication to putting students on bikes and off to classes. He had an impeccable work ethic. One loyal customer has gifted the bike shop with a memorial plaque for George.

The bike shop wasn’t his only gig for many of those years; George was a member of the Santa Barbara Police Department for over 25 years. Starting his career as a motorcycle officer, George finished his dedicated service as a detective.

George, of course, got his education from local schools, attending Harding Grammar School, La Cumbre Junior High School, and Santa Barbara High School. He was a member of the graduating class of 1947. He recently attended a reunion.

No services will be held per his request. His surviving friends would be pleased if you would consider honoring George with an act of kindness in his name. Those closest to George would agree that kindness is his most lasting legacy.