Alexander A. Ruiz

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Alex was proud of his Chumash and Spanish heritage that dates back to the Presidio days. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School, class of 1968.

In his early life, he took up surfing at the local beaches as a teen. Alex loved to camp, hunt and fish with his father, Julius, and his brother, Raymond. Horses were every part of Alex’s lifestyle. He trained them to be pack horses for hunting. His horses could navigate him into the backcountry no matter the circumstances. At true testament to his character. The backcountry is, and will forever be, where he spent countless happy hours.

The Santa Barbara backcountry became his true home, holding his secrets and his truth’s. There is not a trail in the area he has not hiked or rode a horse on. He made a campground in memory of his wife Lorna, which became a designated camp.

Alex was a master of cooking tri-tip over an oak wood barbecue. Bringing stories and laughter to every cookout became a part of Alex’s pastimes. He would even bring out his harmonica, for close family and friends.

Alex’s selflessness attitude and willingness to help others, are something his children will always try to mirror. He was a great and loving father to his children, Michael (Elizabeth), Melissa (Bradley) and Brian. He was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren, Emily, Kristin, and Chloe. Alex took it upon himself to pass on all his knowledge and wisdom to everyone he came in contact with, a true leader.

Alex is also survived by Margo, his best friend and partner for everything. She not only became a light in Alex’s life, she will forever be a part of his family.

Alex was an amazing man. His family and friends are heartbroken to have lost him so soon. He was way too young to leave us. We will forever miss his stories and his infectious laughter.

Alex passed away unexpectedly, in his sleep, and is preceded in death by his parents Julius and Cora, brother Raymond, grandson Brandon, and his beloved wife Lorna. We truly believe he is in heaven, riding a horse in the mountains with wife. “Happy trails our friend, may your rides be longer and the sunsets full, until we meet again.”

We are tentatively planning on having a celebration of life for him on Saturday June 12th at Live Oak Campground as long as covid restrictions are lifted. Please RSVP with his children to attend. Those who wish to stay the night are welcome to join us or stop by to say goodbye. Alex loved camping more than anything so we thought it would be perfect to celebrate him in that way.