Patrick Ben Clemens

Patrick Ben Clemens passed away, Feb. 11, 2025. Born on June 7, 1944, in Monterey, California, to Arthur and Eleanor Clemens, Pat moved to Santa Barbara at age 5 and remained a cherished member of the community.

He attended San Marcos High School and was the 2nd graduating class in 1962, A talented athlete, he excelled in varsity basketball and baseball., from there he went to Westmont College, earning a degree in business and economics in 1966.  While at Westmont, he met Joy Catherwood Strandberg, whom he married in 1968. They had two children, Christy and Matthew.

Pat served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969.

In 1975, Pat purchased a lapidary store, later known as Patco Jewelry, which he ran for nearly 50 years. A pillar of the Santa Barbara community, he was named a “Local Hero” by the Santa Barbara Independent in 2024..

Despite the challenges of a degenerative muscle disease, Pat remained joyful and generous, always helping others. A devoted member of El Montecito Presbyterian Church, he served his community with kindness and faith.

He is survived by his wife Joy, children Christy and Matthew, daughter-in-law Pamela, grandchildren Chelsie, Dominik, Danika, and Cameron, and siblings Michael, Chris, and Cathy. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or Network Medical.