Jorgen Kjaempe (Kempa)

Jorgen passed away following a short battle with cancer. Jorgen was born on October 22, 1936, on the small Island of Bornholm in Denmark.

Jorgen served in the Danish Army as a Military Policeman at the age of 19. At the age of 20 (because of his height) he was chosen to stand guard for the Danish King (King Frederick IX). He began his career as a skilled carpenter/craftsman at the age of 18 in Denmark and was honored by the Danish King IX for his exceptional workmanship. His talent carried him to South Africa (1959) with his first wife, where he was building the cooling towers, and eventually to California in 1963 – 1966-Solvang/1970 – 1995 -Santa Barbara. Jorgen became highly sought after for his high degree of craftsmanship with commercial and residential construction in Montecito. He loved his trade deeply and took immense pride in his work.

Beyond his career, Jorgen with a big smile embraced life with a true zest for adventure/travel and threw himself passionately into everything he did! Since an early age his joy was the ocean where he sailed, surfed and scuba dove all over the world. On land his sports were skiing, tennis, hiking, and biking. Jorgen loved music and loved to dance—always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. He will be remembered as the life of the party!

Jorgen is survived by his wife, June Kjaempe of Montecito; Daughter, Linda Kjaempe of Santa Barbara, Grandson, “EJ” Edward Whipple Jenks IV of Marin County, Bother, Tom Elley of Holland; Niece, Annette Knudsen of Denmark; Stepsons, Robert Colyear and Randy Goodgame; Brother-In-Law, Richard Colyear; Sisters-in-law, Marge MacLaughlin (Husband Bill MacLaughlin), Diane Culp (Husband Chas Culp), Barbara Colyear- Parkening; and his lifelong friend and former wife, Annie Bradley. All will carry his memory in their hearts.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Santa Barbara VNA Hospice for their care and compassion.

A gathering of close friends and family will be held for Jorgen’s Celebration of Life at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club.