Terence Charles Brennan

Terence Charles Brennan was born April 8, 1957, in Burbank, California to an Irish, Canadian family of hockey players. Terry quickly became a brother, and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on those around him was immeasurable, and it’s often said, but in Terry’s case, it couldn’t be truer: to know him was indeed to love him.

Terry was a master storyteller. He could effortlessly weave a tale, his voice filled with humor and heart, (he could produce an Irish brogue on command)—delivered with a mischievous smile and a playful lift of his eyebrow—would bring you to your knees.

His stories were always delivered with a warmth and authenticity that made you feel as though you were right there with him on one of his adventures. For decades, Terry canvassed the streets of Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, sharing his infectious sense of humor, generosity, and his huge heart with all who crossed his path. A visit to the local pub often meant an embrace from Terry, a radiant smile, and a sense of belonging. When Terry shone his light on you, it was as if the warmth of the sun was wrapped around you. He had the rare gift of making everyone feel special and loved. It was under the California sun, with the shimmer of the ocean in the background, that Terry discovered his love for surfing as a little boy. It’s said that he learned to ride the waves on the back of a discarded door found in his Burbank garage. Surfing became a passion, a part of his soul, as much as the spirit of Santa Barbara itself.

Terry was a giant in every sense of the word. Tall and lanky, with strong hands that shaped stone and wood into works of art, his craftsmanship graced some of the most iconic residences in Santa Barbara including Lotusland and the Santa Barbara Courthouse. A gifted artist and painter Terry’s works of art evoke a feeling of the old California he so deeply loved.

A true surf legend, Terry was a lover of Aussie Shepherds, music, a good read, old movies, vinyl, a Tom Waits’ guitar solo, the surfboard icon Reene Yater and his trusted Rover. Father to the late Tristan Brennan, and stepsons Ronnie and Josh Brennan, it was this role in life that Terry held most dear. Terry instilled a love of hockey in his sons, bringing the sport locally to Carpinteria.

The Press Room became his second home, The Rafferty family his family, Terry’s Raddon boat his ticket to Hollister Ranch and the islands, and Santa Barbara, his true love.

Terry will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His laugh, his spirit, and his kind, open heart will live on in every story shared, every wave ridden, and in the memories of those who were lucky enough to call him a friend.

As Terry liked to say and in the words of the immortal Dr. Seuss, “Don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened”

Godspeed Terry

Terry is survived by his step sons, Ronnie and Josh Brennan, sisters Debbie and Nancy and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Terry was predeceased by his parents Charles and Germaine, brother Allan, and sister Maureen.