Timothy Barrett Yox
Timothy Barrett Yox of Santa Barbara, CA passed away peacefully and bravely at home on May 16th, 2025 surrounded by family. He left behind a legacy of zest for life and adventure. Born September 21st, 1948 in Whittier, CA, the eldest child of Norman and Juanita Yox who were from Buffalo, NY. His early years were in Montebello, Pico Rivera, Sacramento and the Sierra Nevadas with siblings, Sharon, Craig and Jeff. In high school he participated in multiple clubs: Publicity, French, Chess, Math, Tennis and Basketball, some of his passions later in life. The family loved sailing and camping and he helped his parents build their cabin “The Happy Place” in Arnold, CA while in college. He graduated Cum Laude from UCSB in 1970 earning a BA in Economics.
Afterwards, he set off on a two year journey with fraternity brother Greg Lowe to explore the world. From Los Angeles they travelled via land to South America and sailed across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand. There they became friends with fellow American Erik Johnson. He joined them on the rest of their adventure to such locales as Fiji, Indonesia, India, and Greece. While in Indonesia they resonated with the culture and artisanal products. This planted the seed of their entrepreneurial spirit and what would later become their careers back home.
Returning to Santa Barbara the trio founded the boutique shop Thin Air and it was there he met his beautiful wife Nancy in 1975. She previously owned a small shop called Zephyr and together they shared a love of travel. After they married, they founded their own import venture naming it Back East, with Erik as their business partner. It was a successful tropical batik clothing company for over 35 years. During this time they raised their children, Tia Barrett Yox and Adam Andrew Yox, in Santa Barbara. The family spent time driving VW camper vans to beaches in Baja, Mexico and traveled to Indonesia, throughout Europe, and the Caribbean. Many vacations were spent in the mountains of Arnold, CA where Tim and Nancy built their own cabin. They enjoyed seasonal outdoor activities and hosting family holiday gatherings. For multiple decades they owned a historical small house or “petit mas” Le Roux in Provence, France. Becoming friends with a local family, the Roussels, they adored the rural lifestyle and French culture. Additionally they had a home in La Quinta, CA near Tim’s mother and loved their time in the desert. As members of the SB Yacht Club, they sailed in excursions to the Channel Islands with their many friends they met there, a highlight of their lives.
Tim was an easy going guy with a calm demeanor. Inspired in his youth by listening to Krishnamurti speak in the Oak Grove of Ojai, he also studied Buddhist philosophy. Living life accordingly, he excelled at the art of relaxation and a mellow pace of life, often listening to Hawaiian guitar music. He loved a vista or picnic at the beach, and enjoyed golf and tennis wearing his signature visor hat. A collector of stamps and rare coins, another favorite hobby was instilled by his grandfather, playing games. Favorites were Rummikub, cards and teaching his grandson Ascher to play chess.
Tim is preceded in death by his loving wife Nancy and friend Erik Johnson. He is survived by his children Tia and Adam Yox, siblings Sharon Yox, Craig Yox (Paula) and Jeff Yox (Terri), grandchildren Ascher Yox, Olivia and Sophia Curry-Yox, siblings-in-law Richard (Claire) Jones, and Cathy (David) Aidnik, many nieces and nephews and friend Greg Lowe. Tim was a caring family man and will be greatly missed.
A private family memorial will be held in an oak grove on his 77th birthday this September 21st.
