Richard (Dick) Axilrod

Dick Axilrod passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

“Special” He was that to everyone who met him. He was surrounded by some magic or aura, that made others gravitate towards him. Like a magnet.

Born in Minneapolis, Dick excelled in track and field events, winning many ribbons and trophies. But in 1968, after serving in the army, he made the move to Santa Barbara.

A few years later, he began a Group Home program for children who were dealing with problems and needed proper guidance; a perfect profession for him as he, being a psychologist, had a knack for dealing with people.

Dick immersed himself in volunteering in the community and serving on the board of several committees, among them, The Mission Canyon Association, Santa Barbara Rental Housing Mediation, Save the San Marcos Foothills, and with his teaching skills, led a weekly guidance meditation class for cancer patients. He also was involved with the Buddhist community and the Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities.

When we met, I was a single mom with three grown children, Michael, Kirk, and Susan, but he embraced us with open arms, and that was the beginning of what was to become an incredible 40-year marriage; followed years later by our lovable grandchildren, Brian, Olivia, Rafael and Emily.

Dick introduced me to a world I never would have known, as we traveled extensively to various countries, from riding camels in Egypt and Morocco, flying by helicopter over glaciers in New Zealand, mule-riding down the Grand Canyon, and an adventurous four-month road trip, driving from Santa Barbara to the Alaskan Highway in a small RV. Travel and adventure were among his favorite things, and he filled his life with these journeys.

Monthly meetings with his “Men’s Group” were always something he looked forward to.

His family and friends knew he loved fixing things, so I coined the phrase “Have tools, will travel.” He encouraged the younger generation to further their education and then travel the world.

He will be missed by his wife, Joyce, his son, Hutch, his sister, Dianne and his faithful dog Maggie and the Santa Barbara Community. His kindness, generosity and laughter will forever remain in our hearts.