Paul Krier

Paul passed away peacefully at Oak Cottage in Santa Barbara on March 17, 2025 from dementia.

Born and raised in Santa Maria, Paul distinguished himself after high school with a scholarship to Occidental College. His brilliance with words and languages shone throughout his life. He would always come up with a twist, a pun, or the answer to a crossword conundrum. Paul was gentle, kind and strong.

Paul worked for a few years in Berkeley and traveled to France with college buddies, In his twenties, he became captain of a 50 ft. schooner, “Rejoice”, and learned all about maintaining and sailing wooden boats. In 1974, it was through sailing that he met Katie (Mallett) who, after graduating from nursing school, sailed with her dad, Paul, and friends to Hawaii from Marina Del Rey.

Paul and Katie continued together sailing to Tahiti, where Paul’s language abilities helped as he spoke French with mechanics and sailors. The couple became boat “jockeys” as they sailed other people’s boats to distant ports. Their adventures led to New Zealand and back. After three years, they returned to California and settled in Santa Barbara. Paul finished his education at UCSB and started a career at Santa Barbara Research Center. His love of sailing never waned.

They bought “Naiad”, a 38 ft cold molded sailing vessel. Paul, Katie, and later their children Duncan and Kelly, explored the Channel Islands for many years. They are members of the All Eight Channel Islands fraternity.

After retirement, Paul spent more time keeping the Naiad in good order. Trips to the harbor always included a stop at Santa Barbara Roasting Company.

Paul also became the home cook. He was known for expert bar-b-que skills. His specialty was Santa Maria Tri Tip. He also maintained the neighborhood shared pool.

Paul and Katie spent many years volunteering at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. They became knowledgeable about native plants. Once their family no longer needed a lawn, they began the process of converting their yard to native plants. This fit their lifestyle of leaving SB during the summers. The drought tolerant native plants survived the heat and drought.

When they both retired, they spent summers in Essex on Lake Champlain, New York. They helped on the family farm. This required much work with a tractor and chainsaw, which they loved. They also helped maintain the historic family home.

Paul will be remembered by friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife Katie, his children Duncan (and Nickole), Kelly (and Gebran), and Staci Falcon. He is also survived by his brothers Dave (and Sue) and Don (and Gwendlyn). Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survived him.

He will be remembered as a sailor, diver, guitarist and his quick wit. His sign off to Katie was, “love ya later.”

A “Celebration of Life” will be held in July. Friends can contact katiekrier52@gmail.com for details.