Allen Gaines
It’s hard to write an obituary for Allen Gaines without a slide show. He was such an animated, energetic, positive force. Most pictures of him show his hand extended in greeting with a big, welcoming smile on his face. With the heart of a cowboy, Allen was “all in” and dedicated his life to supporting his family, friends, students, and community. His larger-than-life spirit was loved by many.
Allen was an adventurous soul with his heart firmly rooted in Santa Barbara. He was a teacher to many at Laguna Blanca, San Marcos High School, Dos Pueblos High School and Santa Barbara City College’s Continuing Education program. His kids grew up hearing, “Mr. GAINES!” wherever they went together. Allen was a nearly lifelong Santa Barbaran. He was born in Washington D.C. in 1937 and moved to Santa Barbara with his parents, Audrey and Clarke, and younger sister Margaret in early childhood. He is a fourth-generation Santa Barbaran. He attended Santa Barbara High School, where he enjoyed basketball and track. He kept horses at home and loved to ride into the hills after school. His Dad, Clarke, was one of the founders of the Santa Barbara Trail Riders and Allen went on to become a member with his beloved Quarter Horse, Cash.
Allen completed his education at UCSB with a Master’s degree in History. He left school with many lifelong friends from the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was a U.S. Marine. He was a history teacher. A corduroy jacket and chinos wearing, impassioned teacher, with the voice of a radio broadcaster. He coached girls’ basketball at San Marcos High School and was a supporter of athletic and arts programs at San Marcos and Dos Pueblos. He was an active member of the community, serving as Board Member and President of the Santa Barbara Humane Society, as his father had done before him.
Family was everything to Allen. He was a dedicated son, brother, father and grandfather. On any given Sunday, Allen loved barbecuing Tri-tip and enjoying time with his parents and kids. When his daughter Hilary had a theater performance or his son Chris a basketball game, you were guaranteed to see him there cheering them on. As his children grew up, Allen became a passionate supporter of their communities, frequently visiting Arcata, CA and Portland, OR to enjoy adventures with his kids and grandkids. “Deck time” and “Dad-a-Thons” became synonymous with gathering as a family and enjoying meals and laughter together. Allen also enjoyed time with his animals. To him, animals were family too. He loved walking on his land in solitude, feeding “his” deer, hanging out with his dogs and caring for his horse.
Later in life, Allen rekindled a close friendship with Diane Lemons and greatly enjoyed their time together as “80-year-old teenagers.” His beloved Diane, her dog Daisy (“Dazer-Daze”), and the Lemons family have been dear friends and helped him greatly through his recent health struggles.
Allen passed peacefully with family by his side. He fought his illness with grace and courage. He leaves behind his daughter Hilary, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Anna, and grandchildren Henry, Izzy, Will and Cameron. He will be dearly missed and will always be a part of those he loved. Private memorial services were held at Santa Barbara Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Barbara Humane Society or the Goleta Boys and Girls’ Club.