Howard Roland Wookey

1949-2025

Howard Roland Wookey, 76, of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully on August 27 th due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Glendale, CA; Howard lived almost 50 years in Santa Barbara and Montecito. A graduate of Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, he attended El Camino College and UC Santa Barbara where, according to his family, he earned enough credits to earn two Bachelor’s degrees.

For most of those 50 years he owned Howard Wookey Painting, and according to his friends, his crew probably painted most of the county. While painting was his profession, music and reading were his passion; along with family, travel and the occasional friendly debate on virtually any topic. He grew up in the waters off Hermosa Beach and you could find him in the ocean any time the opportunity presented itself; he always kept a set of trunks and towel in his car, because you never know when or where the surf might be up.

Howard was married for about five years in the early 70’s, divorced, he remained a bachelor until reuniting with a High School girlfriend, Frances Goodrow, for over a decade starting in 2000. They shared a passion for family, music, reading, travel and the California coast.

Howard is survived by his brothers Tom Rawlings and Nico Kay, his sisters Mary Kay Wookey and Marina Kay, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Wookey and Patricia E. Kay as well as his brothers, John “Dude”, Piet and Dekker Rawlings.

A memorial will be held at New Life Church in Santa Barbara on Saturday, September 27th at 2pm.