Arturo (Art) Gaitan
Arturo (Art) Gaitan, proud son of Mexican immigrant parents, respected leader in education, cherished father, grandfather, brother, and devoted husband, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on June 12, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by family.
Born on November 7, 1932 in Hanford, California, to Jesus and Herminia Gaitan, Art embarked on a journey that took him many places, and touched many lives along the way. At an early age, Art was drawn to music, movies, and poetry, and later running, keeping these passions with him throughout his life.
Following graduation from Hanford High School in 1950, Art enlisted with the United States Navy, and was fortunate to be stationed in many cities known for live music, especially jazz, allowing him to see live performances by legendary jazz artists including Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Erroll Garner, and Dave Brubeck.
After serving during the Korean War, Art pursued his higher education at Fresno State and received a masters degree. He started his career at Lakeside Union Elementary School, and later joined the U.S. Office of Migrant Education, became a leader in this field, and crossed paths with civil rights activists Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta.
Through a mutual friend, Art was recommended to contact and meet Mary Patricia (Pat) Gaitan (Buckley). At the time, he had made plans with another acquaintance. But to Art’s fortune, he was stood up, and then remembered that he should call Pat. After finding a local telephone booth, he made the call and drove to Pat’s house. As she opened the door, Art was floored by Pat’s presence and asked, “what are you doing for the rest of your life?”
Art and Pat were married on June 29, 1963, and had four children – John Gregory, Michael Steven, Scott Andrew, and Maria Kristin. Together, Art and Pat built a beautiful home, which was a destination for many family reunions and vacations for their children and respective families.
After retiring from a long career with the U.S. Office of Migrant Education, Art returned to his roots in elementary education, and taught at Avenal Elementary. He drove 40 miles each way in his emerald green Mazda Miata, a true testament to his dedication and love for teaching.
Art enjoyed traveling to many places with Pat, but especially loved visiting his children and grandchildren. After the passing of his beloved wife Pat in 2018, Art moved to Maravilla, an assisted living facility in Santa Barbara, California. While there, he was an active member of the community, served as head of the resident council, and formed close companionships with residents and staff alike. He was known for his candid demeanor and impromptu ability to sing and recite poetry, and earned endearing nicknames such as Guapo, Papacito, and Arturito.
Art lived a full life of love, song, humor, laughter, and respect for others. He will be dearly missed.
Art is survived by sons, Greg (Michelle), Mike (Pam), Scott (Beverly) and daughter, Maria (Roger) Fink, grandchildren, Gavin, Miles, LuLu, Marisa and Evan Gaitan and Nick and Steven Mecklenburg, brother Rey Gaitan and sister Rachel Lawrence, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on August 9, 2025 at Maravilla, 5486 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at Grace Fisher Foundation (www.gracefisherfoundation.org
