Roy Allen Hauser
Roy Allen Hauser, born in Oakland, CA on March 20th, 1945, passed away during the early hours of March 10th , 2025.
A longtime resident of Santa Barbara, CA, his heart and soul were bound to the ocean. He knew what he wanted and needed in his life from a very young age and did what he needed to do; what needed to be done, to find a life on and in the water. His early years were spent around the docks of San Pedro where he learned the skills needed to not only pilot a boat, but to build one himself. He was a naturally gifted and passionate sailor. He was doing something he loved. Once Roy got a taste of the sea and what was below the waves, he found his calling. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer of sorts in the early days of recreational Scuba diving. More importantly he realized what a gift it was to do what he was doing and quickly learned to appreciate the beauty and mystique of the nature hidden within the ocean. He knew it was important to dive with respect to the life and landscape in the depths of the sea because without protection it could be lost forever. He would become a strong supporter for ocean conservation throughout his life.
On February 13th, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Phillips to be by his side on this journey. Unfortunately, life has its twists and turns and doesn’t always go as planned. Roy’s lifelong dream was cut short after a diving mishap left him paralyzed in 1977. He would have to learn how to live life from a wheelchair from now on. It took some time, but Roy accepted the hand that fate had dealt him. He did not live his days in pity and would not let anyone tell him that he should. He took what was given to him and lived his best life.
To his family and closest friends, he was the epitome of ‘The Old Man and the Sea’, somewhat literally and figuratively. His dignity and human spirit prevailing over his struggles, and persevering over the face of defeat; “even though a person may be physically defeated, their spirit can remain unbroken”. He never quit; he adapted and lived.
Roy is survived by his ex-wife Linda Hauser, his son Matthew Hauser Sr., his grandchildren Matthew Jr., Michael, Nicholas, and Haley, and his 3 great grandsons Rory, Ryder and Archer.
A celebration of life gathering is to be held at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara on November 8th , 2025, from 2pm till 4:30pm.
A no-host food and drink remembrance will be held at the Ranchero Room at Harry’s Plaza Cafe at 5pm.
If you’d like to share any pictures you may have or a thought or two to be shared, you can forward these to glen@truthaquatics.com.
