David G Kronen

David Gregory Kronen, 63, died in peace at his home in Hope Ranch on December 30, 2022, after a brave and prolonged battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, an aggressive neuromuscular disorder. He transitioned to a better place while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Dave moved with his parents (John Duncan Kronen and Elizabeth Riley Kronen) and three siblings to Santa Barbara in 1963. He attended Vieja Valley Elementary, La Colina Junior High, San Marcos High School (1977), and Cate Prep School. In 1984 Dave graduated with a BS degree in Economics from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to then return to Santa Barbara where he would remain the rest of his life.

Although he had a highly successful career in banking, including a 20+ year tenure as Director and Regional Manager at Bank of the West in Santa Barbara, Dave was foremost a family man. He married the love of his life, Laura Corzan, in 1993 and together they raised three sons. A lifelong skier, outdoorsman, and waterman, Dave introduced his family to skiing/snowboarding at Mammoth, backpacking the Sierras, countless road/camping trips throughout the west, and summers of water skiing on Flathead Lake in Montana. And Sunday family bike rides were frequent.

But Hope Ranch Beach was where Dave spent 60 years worth of countless hours swimming, surfing, and enjoying beach picnics late into the evenings with family and friends. Dave and Laura’s home served as a gathering place for countless friends and family to enjoy barbeques and fun. Warm greetings and endless hospitality were never lacking. If you needed a smile, a beer, or a quiet hand on your shoulder in support, you headed over to Dave and Laura’s; and if you needed a hearty laugh, there was no place better.

In addition to a long career as a local banker, Dave was also Chapter Chair of the MIT Executive Forum (2008-2011), Honor Role at the Senior Management training at Pacific Coast Banking School, and involved with many other nonprofits and local businesses.

Particularly close to his heart, and as a founding member of a local non-profit, The Friendship Paddle, Dave served on the board for over 10 years. He participated in every paddle until he couldn’t, and the last several proudly alongside his sons. Dave had a healthy appreciation for Santa Barbara’s natural beauty, especially the ocean and the Channel Islands.

As Dave’s physical health declined and he became less mobile, he delighted in having visitors at the regular ‘Thirsty Thursday’ gatherings organized by boyhood friends in his backyard. He never lost his sense of humor and avid interest in whatever was going on with friends and family.

Dave’s lively spirit is shown as his friends would say, “He may be late to a party but he was always the last to leave.” And if someone dear to him was overwhelmed or overstressed, Dave always reminded them, “Life is good. Remember that.” Dave touched a lot of lives in Santa Barbara and had more friends than you could count. Loyalty ran deep with him; he needed more than two hands to count the number of close friendships that spanned over 50 years.

Dave is survived by his wife Laura, and his sons Gregory, Steven, and Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Beth Kronen. He leaves behind three siblings, Jack (Sue) of Honolulu, HI; Ann of Malibu, CA; and Tom (Tammy) of Santa Barbara, as well as 5 nieces and nephews. They will all continue to honor his immense character, spirit of adventure, and loving nature.

A celebration of life is planned for March 4th in Santa Barbara. For more information contact dkcelebrationoflife@gmail.com